Palo Verde coach accused of battery

Paul Churchfield’s status as Palo Verde High School’s head baseball coach appears to be in limbo amid an allegation he had a recent physical altercation with a player.

Clark County School District Police Capt. James Ketsaa said an initial police report regarding the alleged incident was forwarded to school district detectives on Thursday.

CCSD Detective Mitch Maciszak said the report is a battery case.

Churchfield was not arrested, nor has he been charged with a crime.

“We’ll determine if the case will move forward or not. We will further investigate,” Maciszak said.

The school district has not released the police report.

Churchfield was not on hand for Palo Verde’s game Friday, a 12-9 loss at Green Valley. He did not return a phone message seeking comment.

Palo Verde athletic director Darwin Rost said the situation is out of his hands, but he is hopeful a resolution will come soon.

“It should be all resolved on Monday,” Rost said.

Palo Verde principal Dan Phillips could not be reached for comment, and athletic administrator William Keairnes did not return a phone message.

The father of the player involved declined to comment, citing legal issues.

Multiple sources said the alleged incident occurred March 11, when Palo Verde lost 6-5 at Spring Valley. It is unclear whether the alleged incident took place during or after the game, which was called because of darkness after the Panthers had taken an 8-6 lead in the top of the seventh inning.

Several parents at Friday’s game expressed support for Churchfield, who was in his sixth season as the Panthers’ coach.

Darryl Hutchings, the father of Palo Verde senior first baseman Matt Hutchings, did not witness the alleged incident but said he would be surprised if Churchfield was at fault.

“I totally support the man. He’s been a good father,” Darryl Hutchings said, adding he admires how Churchfield has cared for a disabled daughter. “Firm but fair, I think that’s a good way to put it.”

Charles Webb, the father of Palo Verde senior third baseman Jared Webb, said Churchfield has always treated players with respect.

“(Churchfield) is a very affable individual,” Charles Webb said. “He’s not disrespectful to the kids. I think it’s just an emotional situation. It seems like overreaction by a lot of people.”

Asked Friday whether he has taken over as head coach until the situation is resolved, Palo Verde assistant Robert Quesada said: “For right now, the coaching staff is all making decisions.”

Friday’s loss dropped Palo Verde to 2-2 overall. The Panthers are scheduled to open Northwest League play at home Tuesday against Faith Lutheran.

Churchfield has guided the Panthers to the Sunset Region playoffs in each of his first five seasons.