Coach firing linked to risqué road trip

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque Public Schools fired La Cueva High School's head baseball coach Stan McKeever Wednesday after a review of allegations of employee misconduct reported to involve students and strippers.

Sources told KRQE News 13 that APS police investigated McKeever for reportedly bringing strippers to a hotel to entertain some players while on a trip to Denver last summer.

Late Wednesday APS released a statement saying its internal investigation is complete and that McKeever is no longer a part of the La Cueva staff.

The parent of one of the players told News 13 everyone lost something from the incident.

"This has been a very difficult time for our family," the parent said. "We thank all our friends in the Albuquerque baseball community for their support and well wishes during this unfortunate circumstance where no one comes out a winner.
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"Our hope is that La Cueva and all schools have learned a valuable lesson from this situation, and that safeguards are instituted so that no student athlete is put at risk again."

McKeever, who has been with the district for 23 years, also was a math teacher at the school.

District officials said they have already taken the steps to make sure no students are affected when the first bell rings in the morning.

"We have already secured substitute teachers for both math classes this individual would have taught," Monica Armenta, APS executive director of communications, said. "So tomorrow when the students who would have been in his classes go to school they will go home with letters to their parents explaining that substitute teachers have been secured until a permanent replacement can be found."

McKeever can appeal the termination. Officials said they can not permanently replace his position until a final decision is made.

McKeever's teams have won five state titles. News 13 was unable to reach him for comment.