At the February 18, 2025 SBISD Board of Trustees meeting, parents described how their son, a Stratford junior, was violently attacked from behind in the parking lot at Don Coleman Coliseum while walking to his car after a varsity basketball game between Stratford and Memorial High Schools. The attack occurred on February 4, 2025.
The mother of the student said that the person who hit her son was wearing a ski mask, and it is assumed that the person was a member of a group called the “Swearing Sailors”, a Memorial High School club. It was witnessed by others. Her son was soon after attacked by a larger group estimated to be about twenty individuals. During the attack her son was thrown to the ground. While on the ground, additional masked individuals punched and hit him, causing injuries to the head, torso, and extremities. A larger group watched and did not intervene or call for help. She said that her son did not engage with the individuals before the attack and does not know the individuals personally. She believes that he was attacked because he was wearing a green shirt.
She said that this type of criminal behavior in the name of school sports rivalry is insanity. The beating stopped only when Mr. Barnes, Stratford’s principal shouted or whistled, causing the mob to run away. At that point her son was laying injured on the ground. Mr. Barnes, who quite possibly saved his life, helped him to his feet and into the DCC where he was evaluated by a medical trainer. Shortly afterwards, he was taken to a medical facility. Their son was scheduled to take the SAT in a few weeks. He is recovering from a head injury.
She said they are concerned that this event will be swept under the rug, and that if those involved in this crime are not held accountable, it will lead to subsequent violence and destructive behavior in the future. District and school leadership have apologized to her family and expressed concern about the welfare of their son. The parents appreciate the concern and support from the community, but are outraged that this happened to their son at a school event. They want justice for their son, accountability, and adequate punishment for those responsible.
She said that there is an active investigation by SBISD police.
Source: SBISD Video starting at 23:25
