A jury in Blair County has convicted former Bellwood Antis School District varsity wrestling coach Timothy Andrekovich of endangering the welfare of a child. The verdict was announced by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday following a two-day trial that examined Andrekovich’s failure to protect students under his supervision. The jury reached its decision on Tuesday afternoon, with sentencing scheduled for August 25, 2023.
Prosecutors argued that the 59-year-old coach neglected his responsibilities after learning about an investigation into serious allegations against junior high wrestling coach Ryan Blazier. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Blazier was under investigation for child sexual abuse as early as December 2019. At that time, Andrekovich was tasked with enforcing a safety plan designed to limit Blazier’s interactions with students.
Failure to Act on Warning Signs
According to court testimonies, Andrekovich did not adequately enforce the safety measures, allowing Blazier to continue having unsupervised contact with young athletes. This inaction was central to the prosecution’s case against Andrekovich. Attorney General Sunday emphasized the breach of trust inherent in Andrekovich’s conduct, stating, “As head wrestling coach, the defendant was supposed to be looking out for his wrestlers. Instead, when notified of a potential threat, he abdicated his responsibility to protect those students.”
The case against Andrekovich unfolds in the backdrop of Blazier’s own legal troubles. In June 2023, Blazier was convicted of sexual assault and is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence. The prosecution of Andrekovich was led by Deputy Attorney General Julia van Leeuwen and Senior Deputy Attorney General Lauren Eichelberger from the Criminal Prosecutions Section of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
It is crucial to note that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This principle underscores the legal framework that governs such cases, ensuring that due process is maintained.
The outcome of this case raises significant questions about the responsibilities of coaches and educators in protecting students. As communities continue to grapple with issues of child safety within sports programs, the implications of this case are likely to resonate well beyond the courtroom.
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