Midseason Move Has Gsl Buzzing Coaches Doubt Legitimacy Of Fountain’s Transfer To Lc

Kaylene Fountain’s midseason transfer from Ferris to Lewis and Clark caused a stir among Greater Spokane League softball coaches.

The principles involved can’t understand the fuss over a family changing residences.

There is no fuss, LC activities coordinator Alan Bredy said Wednesday, as long as Fountain’s move is legitimate and also not for athletic reasons.

Bredy said he and Ferris A.C. Ray Hare investigated the situation thoroughly and are satisfied that nothing untoward is involved.

Yet Bredy said there “could be an issue” if the family hasn’t vacated its former home in the Ferris district.

Kaylene Fountain, reached Wednesday, said she and her father, Steve, moved to the LC district. She said her mother, Pat, lives with her brother, Derek, a senior who continues to play for Ferris’ baseball team.

Asked the reason for transferring to LC, Kaylene, a freshman pitcher, said she would call back. Pat Fountain returned the call and said the family had no comment.

LC softball coach Dennis DeBill said he and assistant coach Deanna Fountain, Kaylene’s cousin, had no idea about Kaylene’s transfer until she showed up at practice April 4 with a white (eligibility) slip. Kaylene pitched April 1 for Ferris.

“(Deanna) said, ‘Am I the last one to know here?”’ DeBill said. “I said, ‘If you were the last one, I was the second-to-last one.”’

Other GSL coaches have expressed their doubt.

“I’m sure (Deanna being at LC) had pull,” said Central Valley coach Kenny Haynes, one of the more vocal critics of a recent slew of softball players switching schools.

“None of the coaches are happy about it,” Haynes said of Fountain’s move.

Coaches are concerned specifically about Fountain knowing Ferris’ signals and trick plays, and generally about any kid changing teams to improve her prospects, especially in midseason.

DeBill said Fountain’s transfer couldn’t be for athletic reasons because Ferris’ chances at postseason are much better than LC’s.

At Ferris, however, Fountain was set to start every other game. At LC, she has started every game.

Hare said he and Bredy made certain with Steve Fountain that the move wasn’t for athletic reasons. Steve assured them it was for family reasons, Hare said.

“We can’t intercede,” Hare said.

, DataTimes