Hiser, Jason Coach

September 19, 2008

Today's date is September 10th...I'm sorry...September 19th, 2008. Time now is 10:21 hours. My name is Detective Terry Jones, Code #6354, I'm with the Louisville Metro Police Department. This interview pertains to Case File #08-197, uh, it is a death investigation involving victim Max Gilpin. This interview is being conducted at the uh, JCTA uh, office. We're at the Waterson uh, Towers. And this interview is of Mr. Jason Hiser. Uh, also present during this interview is, is uh, Mark Miller and Sgt. Denny Butler.

Jones

At this time uh, Coach uh, Hiser, can you identify yourself?

Hiser

Uh, Jason Hiser.

Jones

Okay. And your date of birth?

Hiser Jones

And address?

Hiser

4903 Cress Court.

Jones

And phone number?

Hiser Jones Hiser

Okay. Are you aware this interview is being taped? Yes, sir.

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Jones

Does it meet with your approval?

Hiser

Yes, it meets.

Jones

Okay. Uh, Mr. Miller, can you acknowledge that you are here and present?

Miller

I also acknowledge.

Jones

Uh, Sgt. Denny Butler?

Butler

Uh, my code number is #6084.

Jones

Okay. At this time uh, Mr. Hiser, can you relate to the uh, practice that occurred August 20th, 2008, while at PRP's football field, practice field...the events that occurred that day?

Hiser

Uh, yes. Uh, as I arrived at PRP that day, uh, the defense went over to the weight room to lift weights while the offense watched film. We then switched. After about 25 to 30 minutes of lifting, then the defense went to watch film and the offense went to the weight room. Uh, after film session, uh, we headed over to the practice field. Uh, approximately uh, a little bit after 4 o'clock, uh, we did our stretching routine and warm-up, we went to team take-off's. After the team take-off period was over, uh, I sent the defense to get water after they broke down, we then went in the uh, EDD's, our, your individual positions, the linebackers and defensive back came over there with me from their water break. We did six or seven minutes of bag drills, they got to break down, they got some more water. They come back, we did

Page 3 of 17 Statement: Coach Jason Hiser / Case #08197(b) September 19, 2008

about six or seven more of individual type stuff. We met with the defensive linemen, did run fits, uh, assignment type stuff...they got another break down at the conclusion of EDD's. Uh, the linebackers and defensive backs then went with me over to the offensive skill positions, we did our seven on seven session...the first group went about seven or eight plays, we sent in group 2, the ones were instructed to go get water. The twos and uh, some threes and others that kinda three and below guys that mix in, they uh, they went for about seven or eight plays. Uh, ones were called back up, the guys the twos and below were told to go get water. The ones went again for about seven or eight plays, we ended the seven on seven period, and they were all told to get water...even, that's included everybody, even if the two just got back from water, we all go get water, to get 'em off the field. Uh, after the water break, they come back and uh, Coach Stinson told 'em to line up. We uh, went straight in to conditioning that day. I was there for uh, on the, on the touch side of the practice field, away from where they begin their runnin'...their gassers. Uh, I was there for approximately two or three minutes, at the most, and then I walked off the practice field and headed, headed home. Jones

Okay. Uh, Coach Hiser, what is your position?

Hiser

I'm the defense coordinator, linebackers, defensive back coach.

Jones

Okay. And uh, how long have you been a coach?

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Hiser

I have been coaching high school football...this is uh, my, gonna be my fifth year, my third year at PRP.

Jones

Okay. Where did you coach at, prior to PRP?

Hiser

Holy...Holy Cross High School.

Jones

Okay. Okay, sir, so you said the uh, as you arrived, the team was doing lifting and, and...and stretching drills? Uh, is this...and also films...and the practice actually started at what time? They actually got on the field at what time?

Hiser

Uh, it was pro'bly uh, right around 4 o'clock.

Jones

Okay. And at which time did you explain the drills that were takin' place, the bag drills, things of such, and was that at full gear?

Hiser

The, the...once we got up to the practice field at four is they do their stretchin' first.

Jones

Okay.

Hiser

As, as a team.

Jones

As a team?

Hiser

Everybody together.

Jones

Okay.

Hiser

And then team take-off's, yeah, everything's in full gear, up to this point.

Jones

Okay. And you, what time was your first water

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break? Hiser

Uh, after the defense uh, got done with their team take-off's, it was pro'bly right around uh, heck...a little bit after 4:30, maybe, is when I sent them over there.

Jones

Okay. And this is your particular group, not the entire team. Correct?

Hiser

Correct.

Jones

And how many, how many are in your particular group?

Hiser

Uh, in my group is...on any given day, with absences, approximately 20 players.

Jones

Okay.

Hiser

Seven positions, if there's two guys at each position, you know...

Jones

And that's including freshmen and JV players? Are they included?

Hiser

Yes. Dur...during the uh, individual period freshmen do come with us also. And JV players.

Jones

So, so you, after your water, your first water break, uh, you went back, you did more training, 'cause in, in full gear, at full speed...

Hiser

Yes, sir.

Jones

Consisting of you said seven on seven, and things like that?

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Hiser

Well, no, af...af, after the team take-off's, they came over to the, the...the everyday drills.

Jones

Okay.

Hiser

And that's when I just had the, the...my positions, the linebackers, defensive backs, six or seven minutes, water break, six or seven more minutes, water break, and then we went to seven on seven.

Jones

Okay. And, and again, all the other, every, every coach has their assignment, and the other coaches were doin' their assignments with their particular groups. Correct?

Hiser

Yes.

Jones

And is everything followed in an agenda-type fashion?

Hiser

Yeah, we have uh, we have a schedule, but the individual period may say 25 minutes for your po...your individual's EDD's...

Jones

...Yes, sir...

Hiser

...and there's no set schedule that you have to follow with your players. Like you know, some days my guys might get two or three water breaks during that period.

Jones

And that's if you're satisfied with their performance?

Hiser

Uh, no, I just...I, I just really have a routine, if it's a little bit longer and we get some down

Page 7 of 17 Statement: Coach Jason Hiser / Case #08197(b) September 19, 2008

time, you know, and, and...instead of just making, picking more stuff for 'em to do, I'll send 'em to get water, then maybe bring 'em back, do some uh, uh...I guess mental type stuff, chalk-talk, as a group, maybe. Jones

So you, you...you have an agenda but you don't actually follow it to a point, if the, if you can get something else in that timeframe...and that's what you said, some, some mental time or whatever?

Hiser

Uh, yes, sir.

Jones

Okay. Alright. So leading up to the second break, what time is your second break?

Hiser

Uh, the second break was uh, six or seven minutes in to the individuals of the time, I'm not 100% sure...

Jones

Okay. Your group again, right?

Hiser

My, my group again.

Jones

They go, they go get water, they come back. Okay. What happens when they come back uh, after the second break?

Hiser

...We, we do, we do about six or seven more minutes of uh, individual position-type stuff.

Jones

Okay. And...

Hiser

And that's when we meet with the defense line, also.

Jones

Did you take a third water break?

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Hiser

Yes, at the end of that period, when uh, individuals is now over...

Jones

...Um-hmm..

Hiser

...uh, all the defense, as a whole, went over there to go get water.

Jones

Okay. And this is...and this is leading up to seven on seven?

Hiser

Yes, sir.

Jones

Okay. And seven players on, on seven players. Correct? Defensive players...seven players and the offense has seven players. Is that correct?

Hiser

Yeah, uh, the quarterback might be eight, but...

Jones

...Okay...

Hiser

...basically, yes.

Jones

And again, uh, when they're doing the seven on seven, uh, do they take a break after that?

Hiser

Uh, they basically what it is, you have uh, you have guys that are watchin', that aren't in the first string...the first string goes, usually seven or eight plays...they go get water, the other guys fill in, uh, maybe if you have a uh, a third string guy, he might let the second string guy go four plays, then the third string guy will get in for the last three...

Jones

Yeah.

Page 9 of 17 Statement: Coach Jason Hiser / Case #08197(b) September 19, 2008

Hiser

Coach calls ones back up again...I'm not for sure of the set number of plays that each group got...around seven or eight...

Jones

And, and Max Gilpin is offensive play. Right?

Hiser

Yeah. He, he was an offensive lineman.

Jones

An offensive lineman. So he's not involved in your group during this prior training, prior to seven on seven. Correct?...

Hiser

...No, sir... At this point I, I have...

Jones

Is he involved in the seven on seven?

Hiser

No, sir.

Jones

Okay. Uh, so leading up to the team break, what time was the team water break?

Hiser

The, the team water break that day would have been uh, right around 5:25...5:26...right around there.

Jones

Okay. And at this group...at this particular time, did your group and, and more players walk over to get water?

Hiser

Everybody that was involved in the seven on seven was sent to get water.

Jones

Did, were you uh, did you uh, observe any offensive linemen that were not a part of the seven on seven get water?

Hiser

Not that...not that I'm aware of.

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Jones

And what...did you, I mean you didn't notice...

Hiser

No, sir.

Jones

Did any of your players...any players that were not involved in seven on seven, did they remain in the, on the practice field?

Hiser

Any players that were not involved in the seven on seven?

Jones

Right. Do they not go to get water? Do they actually remain on the field at one point?

Hiser

Uh, at, if, if we're doin', if this is say the 50yard line of the practice field, or the midpoint...

Jones

...Yes, sir...

Hiser

...seven on seven took place here, down in this end zone. The offensive and defensive linemen were workin' together at that point. Uh, I think...they were, they're usually sent, sent to get water when seven on seven's o, over, and I can't speak if every single one of 'em went and got water that day.

Jones

And you're not for sure...

Hiser

I'm not for sure. No, sir.

Jones

Uh, now was anything else goin' on during the, during the practice? Was any other events goin' on during that, in that area?

Hiser

There was a soccer game.

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Jones

Which is adjacent to the foot...soccer, football field. Correct?

Hiser

...Yes, sir.

Jones

And was any other groups there, like, like spectators or parents, that were observing this soccer game?

Hiser

Yes.

Jones

Okay. What about under the tree where the bleachers are? Uh, was any activity takin' place up there?

Hiser

That, that's normally where the football parents sit, if any come to watch practice.

Jones

Was any other uh, like little leagues, where do they take the field, anybody else that you can...

Hiser

Uh, the little league normally practices right after us but on that particular day, I'm not, I can't...I'm not 100% sure if I saw him waitin'.

Jones

Okay. Okay...so leading up to the last water break, uh, coming back after the last water break you describe, you're not for sure if the uh, defensive line, linemen got breaks or not, at that particular time during the team break. Right?

Hiser

Yeah. I'm not 100% sure. No.

Jones

Okay. And who calls the uh, when the, when the team came back, and you said they started conditioning?

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Hiser

Yes, sir.

Jones

Now who, whose uh, who called conditioning?

Hiser

The head coach.

Jones

And Coach...

Hiser

Stinson.

Jones

Okay.

Hiser

Jason Stinson.

Jones

And uh, conditioning consists of what?

Hiser

Uh, the gassers.

Jones

And the gassers are run the width of the field. Correct?

Hiser

Width, it's across the field, back, across the field and back. So basically it's up and down, up and down.

Jones

Okay. And...

Hiser

...200 yards. Approximately.

Jones

Okay. And your position would have been where when they were running gassers?

Hiser

My position would have been in line with the rest of the team waitin' to run gassers.

Jones

Waitin' from, from the startin' side line?

Hiser

From the startin' sideline they would have been

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in line uh, waitin' for the, the smaller guys to be called up to run. Jones

Where were the...where were the defensive linemen at the time?

Hiser

The defensive linemen would have been with the offensive linemen, running with the same group as them.

Jones

Was any of the coaches with that de...defensive line?

Hiser

They...

Jones

...or, or with that offensive line, was any...are the coaches kinda spread out?

Hiser

Yeah.

Jones

Okay.

Hiser

The, the coaches are usually kinda spread out. Uh, like I said, I was on the touch side...

Jones

Um-hmm.

Hiser

...the side they're runnin' to...

Jones

Um-hmm.

Hiser

...for uh, approximately a few minutes, and, and then I left, so I, I'm not sure what coaches were where.

Jones

Okay. So you had a prior appointment...

Hiser

Prior appointment to leave early.

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Jones

So you pro'bly had seen...how many gassers you, were you there before you left, had to leave?

Hiser

Maybe one...one or two, I'm not even sure if I was there for a full one.

Jones

Okay. And uh, and you're not, you, you didn't witness, while you were there, any players becoming ill. Correct?

Hiser

No, sir.

Jones

Okay. Sgt. Butler?

Butler

Uh, a couple questions. where is Coach Stinson?

Hiser

Coach Stinson is at the, the starting point where the gassers start at.

Butler

Okay. Coach Donnelly?

Hiser

Coach Donnelly was on the touch side.

Butler

Okay. Coach Lightle?

Hiser

Coach Lightle, I believe, was over there with me, over on the touch side.

Butler

Coach uh, Bobby and Steve Deacon?

Hiser

I'm not for sure where they were.

Butler

Okay. And Coach Cook?

Hiser

I'm not for sure where he was.

When you leave,

Page 15 of 17 Statement: Coach Jason Hiser / Case #08197(b) September 19, 2008

Butler

Okay. Uh, if there's an injury to a player, particularly in the game...

Hiser

...Yes, sir...

Butler

...who would go out to attend to that player?

Hiser

Coach Steve Deacon.

Butler

Okay. Uh, so he's kind of a medical...lack of a better term, the one that would kind of pay attention and...

Hiser

Yes, sir.

Butler

Okay. And treat the injuries.

Hiser

Yes, sir.

Butler

Uh, that's all the questions I have.

Hiser

Now during a game, actually, Dr. Smith would go. He's on the sidelines.

Butler

So you all have a, an MD...

Hiser

...Yes, sir...

Butler

...for the game.

Hiser

On Friday night.

Butler

Is he at the practices?

Hiser

No, sir.

Jones

Uh, and...while running the gassers when you

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were there, they had full gear on? Hiser

Yes, sir.

Jones

And, and...and you don't know how long they ran and...is it a normal...was that day's practice considered a normals practice or was it, was somethin', was it uh, were you off schedule over the practices?

Hiser

Uh, the only variation in the schedule was we, we skipped team period and went on to conditioning.

Jones

Okay. And, and do you know what reason why that happened?

Hiser

Uh, I'm not for sure.

Jones

Okay. Okay...uh, and you personally didn't see any players denied...being denied water. Correct?

Hiser

No, sir.

Jones

Okay. You stated that your, your particular team got at least three water breaks...at least four, 'cause there was a fourth one as a team. Correct?

Hiser

Yes, sir.

Jones

Which was at around 5:25...

Hiser

...Um-hmm...

Jones

...and then after that break uh, came back to another...on the field, at which time the coach

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called uh, everyone for conditioning. Hiser

Yes, sir.

Jones

And you left shortly thereafter, 5:30.

Hiser

Yes.

Jones

Okay. Uh, is there anything of import...anything important that we didn't cover...anything you wanna add...anything that I didn't ask you?

Hiser

No, sir.

Jones

Okay. Mr. Miller, do you have anything?

Miller

I have no questions.

Jones

Sgt. Butler, follow-up?

Butler

I do not.

Jones

At this time, we will conclude the tape with Coach Hiser, and we appreciate your time, and uh, the time now is 1036 hours.

END OF STATEMENT File #08197bjones-ks