Kahuku's Torres reinstated, back at practice Wednesday

Kahuku football coach Reggie Torres said he has been reinstated from suspension and will report to practice tomorrow. ScoringLive file photo

Kahuku football coach Reggie Torres said he has been reinstated from suspension and reported to practice yesterday.

Torres, in his sixth season at the helm, was suspended in late July after the first week of practice for not informing the school administration about an incident involving JV players during their overnight camp on campus.
During the suspension, he was prohibited from football activities while an investigation was conducted by the Department of Education's Kahuku/Castle Complex office. Torres said a report was submitted to Kahuku principal Donna Lindsey and shared with Torres on Friday, and after further review on Monday it was decided the suspension would end Tuesday.
Torres said Lindsey wanted "one day of transition" and that a letter to the football parents explaining the situation would be sent home with the players after Tuesday's practice.
"I'm excited," Torres said. "I cannot wait to get back with the kids."
Longtime assistant Walter Santiago had been serving as interim head coach since the end of July, and the Red Raiders remain No. 1 in the ScoringLive Power Rankings after a 3-0 start.
"I'm so thankful to Walter and all the coaches," Torres said. "They've done everything they could to keep the program running smoothly."
Under DOE policy, employees must report incidents in which students are suspected of illegal activity. Torres acknowledges failing to tell his JV coaches to report the incident; the JV and varsity camps were held at different locations on campus.
"It was mostly about communication," Torres said. "I was supposed to tell my JV coach to make sure to report it to the administration, but I didn't do that. I'm responsible for the whole program, so I'll take the punishment. It's a good resolution -- the program and the administration have to move forward working hand-in-hand."
JV coach Ikaika Plunkett also was suspended but was reinstated two weeks ago. The JV players' discipline is now being handled by the administration, Torres said.