Former coach seeks to reignite legal action

Former Sisters High School soccer coach Nik Goertzen has filed court papers in an attempt to reignite a legal action against several parents of players, whom he believes influenced a school district decision not to renew his contract to coach after the 2012 season.

In 2013, Deschutes County Circuit Court Judge Alta Brady dismissed a suit filed by former Outlaws girls soccer coach Nik Goertzen against three Sisters citizens, arguing that "(Goertzen's) claims are based on statements made by defendants related to their opinions of (Goertzen's) competency and performance as a coach." Brady ruled that such statements were constitutionally protected free speech. The defendants were awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

In filings made last month, Goertzen's attorney Marlin Ard asks the court to vacate that judgment and award, and reopen the case against Dan and Cheryl Stewart and Lisa Young. An argument on that motion and countermotions is set for October 30.

Filings on behalf of Goertzen also request that a similar case against parents Merry Ann Moore and Rob Corrigan be reopened.

Ard told The Nugget that he and his client believe they have a strong basis for requesting that the cases be reopened.

A suit against the Sisters School District is ongoing. Oral arguments in that suit were held in May; a court date is set for December.