Several members of the Northern Lehigh community defended middle school basketball coach Mike Bauer at the school board meeting this week.

Jill Glatfelter, a parent, said she was there on behalf of Bauer after students were questioned. She said accusations were made at the committee meeting, but the exact reasons were not clear and the board declined to comment because it is a personnel matter.

“My son has played middle school basketball for the last two years, and not at all has he ever complained about how coach Mike treated any of the players,” Glatfelter said.

“Not once did he ever mention anything but good stuff in the locker room,” she said.

Francine Mesce, a volunteer coach who has worked with Bauer since 2018, spoke in his support.

“Mike to me is what Northern Lehigh stands for,” Mesce said. “He’s heartfelt, cares about the organization, and always talks about the future of the program.”

Mesce refuted claims against Bauer, saying practices were fun, not strict, and she never witnessed aggressive behavior. She described an incident where a parent publicly confronted her about their child’s playing time, expressing hostility toward Bauer. She later reported the incident to Athletic Director Bryan Geist and Principal Dave Hauser.

She said Bauer is “a leader and a kindhearted person.”

Jill Glatfelter also supported Bauer after learning her son was questioned at school regarding allegations.

“After hearing the lies, I was appalled,” she said. “My son has played for Coach Mike for two years and never had a complaint. If anything, he speaks highly of him.”

She acknowledged Bauer may have occasionally used strong language, but dismissed claims of threats or retaliation against players due to parents’ grievances.

“If you’ve watched middle school games, you’d see spots are earned,” she said.

Glatfelter described an incident where Bauer’s injured son, Michael, received no support from opposing parents, which she found disgraceful.

“When he got up and came over to sit and get treated by the trainer, not one of those parents clapped, I was so disgusted; after that I had to leave,” she said. “And I have to ask you, is this the Northern Lehigh way.

“Are we not supporting the kids? And that is what coach Mike Bauer is doing, he supports all the kids, regardless of what their parents think of him or anything he does. I am asking all of you to quiet the noise.

“Coach Mike supports all kids, regardless of what parents think of him,” she said. “I urge you to clear his name.”

Her husband, Chad, praised Bauer and his wife, Jackie, for continuing to serve as directors of Northern Lehigh Youth Athletic Association despite the allegations.

“Even after these accusations, they showed up, ran events, and put on a brave face,” Chad said. “That speaks to his character.”

He also highlighted Bauer’s efforts to address disrespect among players, emphasizing his dedication.

Jackie Bauer defended her husband, stating no investigations had been conducted before the accusations were made public.

“In four seasons, no one has ever contacted him about inappropriate language or bullying,” she said. “These accusations go beyond coaching — they stain families’ reputations.”

Their sons, Kellen and Michael, also spoke in support of their father.

Eric King, whose children were coached by Bauer, said, “Coach Mike fosters a positive environment. Unfounded accusations can have a devastating impact.”

He noted Bauer and his family have dedicated countless volunteer hours to student-athletes and presented a petition with over 50 signatures supporting him.

Eric Danyluk, a 28-year community member, echoed the sentiment.

“We’re blessed to have him as a coach,” Danyluk said. “He’s passionate, keeps kids involved, and devotes everything to this organization.”