Leading off today: The Horseheads school board adopted a stripped-down code of conduct for coaches that revises the comprehensive athletic policy that was put in place less than a month ago.

   The measure, which trims the behavioral code originally approved on June 18 from three pages to one, passed by a 5-4 vote Thursday after more than two hours of discussion.

   More than 100 people attended the meeting. The Star-Gazette reported that many were students. A number of students and adults sported shirts that read, "I support Horseheads coaches."

   Before the revised code covering athletes, coaches and parents/spectators was submitted by Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr., some speakers said the original code was too vague -- putting coaches at risk of random discipline.

   Under the heading of "Trustworthiness" in the original code, the standard for coaches required they they "don't lie, cheat, steal or engage in or permit dishonest or unsportsmanlike conduct." The revised code tells them to "strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct" and to "emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play."

   Under the original interpretation, a baseball coach could have been subject -- in theory -- to discipline for stealing signs flashed by the opposing coach to his batters.

   "This has turned into an embarrassment," said one speaker at the meeting. "It looks like it was created by a lynch mob."

   Jeff Limoncelli, who coaches varsity baseball and JV boys basketball, said he wouldn't stop being emotional because of fear of a code that said, "be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity."

   "I don't want to alter the way I coach," he said.

   Marino called his revised code "significantly different" from the original one and said additional revisions are possible.

   Minton update: The Post-Standard did a follow-up on Syracuse Nottingham wrestler and football player Daniel "Debo" Minton Jr. on Saturday, a day ahead of a benefit to raise money for his medical expenses.

   Minton broke his neck in two places March 10 during a post-season wrestling tournament at Canastota, and the paper says that The medical staff that treated him at University Hospital regards his recovery progress as remarkable.

   Minton's first-person account of the fateful accident on the wrestling mat and the immediate aftermath is chilling. His rehabilitation has been inspiring.

   "The first time I stood up, I passed out," he told the paper. "But then, for the first time, I could see things around me. I felt more confident, like this really isn't as bad as it seems. After about two months, I could walk with a walker.

   "Now, I can walk. I can hop and I can swim. I just can't run or jog."

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