The Victoria Independent School District will temporarily reconfigure the responsibilities of its athletic trainers after Thursday's arrest of Victoria East trainer Jesse Holmes on sexual assault charges.

Until a replacement is found, the three remaining trainers employed by the district, Leigh Muil, Ron Davis and Tara Cavazos, will not be affiliated with a specific school, said VISD Athletic Director Ralph Escalona.

"We will ensure that every sport is covered with the three remaining trainers in VISD," Escalona said Saturday evening. "The trainers are no longer considered East or West trainers. They are considered VISD trainers."

Holmes was arrested Thursday on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Friday afternoon, VISD released a statement noting Holmes is no longer employed by the district. Outside of that statement, district employees, including administrators, coaches and trainers, have withheld comment about his arrest.

Victoria East fans and parents also chose not to comment about the issue, largely because many were just finding out for the first time at the game.

Holmes was in his third academic year as an employee of the district when he was arrested.

He was a fixture at Titans sporting events and practices. This year, may have been Holmes' busiest yet, as the Titans football program has endured a litany of injuries that required on-field treatment.

Friday was no exception. During the East-West football game, three Titans players required on-field treatment from the training staff.

Escalona assured Holmes' arrest Thursday did not jeopardize the safety of athletes in Friday's Battle for the Sword.

"Of course we are short a trainer. But, the Victoria Orthopedic Group is on our sideline each and every week," Escalona said of the group that is on the sidelines for all games held at Memorial Stadium. "Those guys do a tremendous job. They allow our trainers to do an initial assessment and then they step in afterward."

Escalona said athletic trainers are usually hired over the summer or during the holiday break. In the interim, there are student trainers to assist the three professionals and all VISD coaches are certified in CPR, first aid and in operating a defibrillator.

As of Saturday, Escalona said there is a plan to hire a fourth trainer and return to the system of having them affiliated with a specific campus. He said VISD is "hoping to find someone that is qualified, has a good track record and the best for our district."

• Count 1: Sexual assault of a child, second degree felony

  • Count 2:

  • Sexual assault of a child, second degree felony