Former coach accused of having sex with students

? A former high school volleyball coach will stand trial on rape charges involving a student.

The now 18-year-old woman testified Friday that her former high school volleyball coach, Terry L. Wright II, began having a sexual relationship with her when she was 13.

The woman, a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School, spent more than 90 minutes on the witness stand documenting that relationship with Wright, who resigned last fall as East’s volleyball coach.

After testimony from several witnesses, Johnson County District Judge Peter Ruddick ruled that enough evidence existed to bind Wright over for trial. Wright entered a plea of not guilty.

Wright, 35, is charged with rape and aggravated indecent liberties in the alleged incidents with the 18-year-old.

Wright also is charged with having consensual but unlawful sexual relations with a second volleyball player between Feb. 23, 2003, and June 1, 2005. Consensual sex is legal in Kansas if both parties are at least 16. The exception is when one is a teacher or coach.

The second woman, now 19, testified briefly. She still sees Wright and maintains no abuse occurred.