Former Olentangy Berlin Wrestling Coach Resigns
Former wrestling coach at Olentangy Berlin High School has resigned after school officials investigated inappropriate text messages he sent to an 18-year-old former student-athlete.
James “Jamie” Kasser, 62, a longtime coach in Delaware and Union counties, stepped down from his role following a May investigation into messages described as sexually suggestive. According to records obtained through a public records request, the Olentangy Local School District was alerted in May about possible policy violations.
In a July 22 statement, the district confirmed it had informed the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, child protective services, and the Ohio State Board of Education’s Office for Professional Conduct about the matter.
Emails obtained show a parent previously a friend of Kasser, expressing deep disappointment. “I respected him for how he coached young women… I now believe he may be a predator,” the parent wrote.
Screenshots of Kasser’s messages beginning in February, reportedly shifted tone by April. Messages included flirtatious language such as “Sending naked hugs and kisses your way,” and “If I was younger, I would have snatched you up.”
In a July 23 interview, Kasser claimed his intentions were supportive and that he believed the student was experiencing emotional distress. “I am sure my word choice could have been better, but my intentions were pure,” he said.
A May sexual battery investigation by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was closed with no charges filed. The student said Kasser had been texting her and her teammates for years, and while the messages felt “weird,” she initially brushed them off.
Kasser officially resigned on May 23, 2025, and is no longer affiliated with the district.
In response, Olentangy Berlin Principal Ben Jagger announced the hiring of a new coach who will continue to foster a safe and empowering environment for female athletes. The district emphasized its commitment to protecting students and upholding high ethical standards.
Kasser was once celebrated for his coaching career, even earning a gold medal in the 2013 Veterans World Championships. Many in the community expressed shock and disappointment, including Orange Township trustee Lisa Knapp, who said, “He was a very good coach to my kids. It’s heartbreaking.”
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