Parents Gather About Yakima Coach Accused of Child Rape

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Story Published: Sep 25, 2007 at 5:07 PM PST

By Maria Medina

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WEST VALLEY -- A Yakima basketball coach and sports volunteer sits in jail as investigators prepare a growing case against him.

More teenage boys came forward to say Randy Sayler would touch them at his home, during away games and on family trips.

Since last week it's now a total of four teens who claim they're Sayler's victims.

It's a case that's shocked the West Valley Yakima community.

Parents whose kids were on Sayler's basketball, soccer and baseball teams will talk to a counselor this week about the recent allegations.

Sayler volunteered at West Valley Junior High as a 9th grade football coach this year and last year.

"He knew these kids since they were 4th and 5th graders, same age as his son's, and he just followed them all the way through the program," said superintendent Peter Ansingh who added Sayler was an involved parent to his two kids.

He told Action News Sayler's son went to school with the victims, and investigators say the molestation started as far back as 2004.

Investigators hope if there are more alleged victims out there they gather enough courage to come forward as well.

For now Sayler could face the child rape charges alone.

His family packed up and left town days after police arrested him.

The superintendent said he has not changed any policies since learning of these allegations. Sayler's background check came back clean.

He's spoken with the football team Sayler coached, and asked if anyone who knew anything would speak to police.

Sayler pleaded not guilty to two-counts of child rape last week.

Parents will gather at 6:30 Tuesday night at the West Valley Junior High cafeteria.

They'll also hold a discussion for their kids to speak to a counselor Wednesday night.

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