AD embezzlement case jeopardizes Como Park HS sports banquet

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - For the first time in school history, St. Paul’s Como Park High school girls’ basketball team made the state tournament. But, because of the recent embezzlement case against the school's athletic director, the funds just were not there to celebrate their accomplishment.

For the last few years, teams have had their year-end banquet in the school cafeteria, but with police investigating athletic director mike series for stealing more than $100,000 dollars from his department, there is little money for the girls to have a year-end celebration.

After someone posted the team’s situation on the east side’s Facebook page, the local restaurant Tin Cup offered to host the banquet and provide food for up to 75 players, coaches and family members free of charge.

“[It’s] kind of sad because they're such a wonderful group of girls in a great supportive community,” Tin Cup’s owner, Gidget Bailey, said. “They need to be recognized.”

“I think it’s wonderful,” Bailey said. ”I think our community is strong. We need to stay positive. And i think this is one of the things our community should be very proud.”

The Baileys are planning to meet with the banquet’s organizers tomorrow to go over all the details and if all goes well that banquet will be held at Tin Cup on April 11.