Yelm places football coach Tutu Tamaalevea on administrative leave

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 12:27 AM

Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Yelm places football coach Tutu Tamaalevea on administrative leave

Summary

Yelm High School head football coach Tutu Tamaalevea has been placed on administrative leave following a reported physical altercation with a parent. The dispute reportedly stemmed from a disagreement regarding a player who was not named a team captain. Superintendent Chris Woods confirmed that an investigation is currently underway, though he declined to provide specific details due to the ongoing nature of the review. Additionally, reports indicate the program violated Washington Interscholastic Activities Association rules by conducting a practice session wearing shoulder pads on the first day of training, which is prohibited under league guidelines. Tamaalevea was hired in May to replace Rex Norris. Yelm is scheduled to open its season at home against Heritage this Friday night. No interim head coach has been announced to lead the team for the upcoming contest.

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Key Details

•Tutu Tamaalevea is on administrative leave following a physical dispute with a parent.
•School officials are conducting an investigation into the incident.
•The program reportedly violated WIAA rules by wearing pads during the first day of practice.
•Yelm hosts Heritage this Friday to begin the season.
•Tamaalevea was hired in May 2026 to lead the football program.

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