Over Two Dozen Woodville ISD Middle School Students Suffer Burns During PE Incident

Images courtesy of parents of injured students

Story: Sal Baldovinos

WOODVILLE, TX — May 20, 2025

An alarming incident at Woodville ISD Middle School has left over two dozen sixth-grade boys with burns on their hands and knees following a physical education exercise that took place during 7th period on Monday, May 19, 2025.

According to multiple reports from parents and school contacts, students were instructed by Coach Kobe Adams to perform "bear crawls" on the outdoor track surface. The resulting injuries, described as burns, affected over 40 students initially. Several of the injured students have reportedly been referred to Texas Children's Hospital and at least one area burn unit for treatment.

When students expressed pain during the exercise, Coach Adams allegedly told them they “just had weak hands,” according to parents who have spoken to CCTC. In the aftermath of the incident, sources within the district say Coach Adams has been fired from his position at Woodville ISD. However, there are reports that he has already been offered a position at Corrigan ISD.

As of Tuesday morning, the principal of Woodville Middle School has begun contacting parents directly to inform them of the situation.

We have reached out to Lisa Meysembourg, Superintendent of Schools at Woodville ISD, for comment. As of publication, no statement has been provided.

This is a developing story. Concerned Citizens of Tyler County will continue to investigate and report updates as more information becomes available.

** UPDATES BELOW THIS LINE ** 

UPDATE 1: A parent of one of the injured students, currently returning from the Shriners Burn Center in Galveston, provided an update clarifying aspects of the original reports.

According to the parent, the activity occurred during a pre-athletics class, not standard physical education. While early accounts mentioned students being sent to Texas Children’s Hospital, the parent confirms that five students were referred to Shriners in Galveston, with only two receiving treatment there for second-degree burns.

The parent further stated that when students approached Coach Kobe Adams complaining of pain, he told them they had “soft hands” and needed to “get them tough.” The parent also reported that Coach Adams made phone calls to parents in which he allegedly downplayed the severity of the incident, saying the boys had “a couple blisters and scrapes” and praising them as “true athletes.”

Additional disturbing details were shared: boys who finished the bear crawls ahead of others attempted to assist struggling classmates, while others were reportedly told that if their knees touched the ground, they had to start over. One student was seen spitting on his hands to relieve the pain. The coach allegedly used vulgar language, telling the boys “not to be ******* and *******.”