FIRED COACH REQUESTS MEETING WITH DISTRICT
Eric Kasperowicz has put the proverbial ball in the Pine-Richland administrators’ court. The question is whether the administrators want to play and possibly work out a resolution to bring back Kasperowicz as football coach at Pine-Richland High School.
An adviser to Kasperowicz emailed a letter Friday to PineRichland School District solicitor Don Palmer asking if he, Kasperowicz, Palmer, school superintendent Brian Miller and any other administrators could meet and settle the ordeal of Kasperowicz’s firing, which has created an uproar in the Pine-Richland community.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette obtained a copy of the letter sent to Palmer from Kasperowicz’s adviser, who wishes to remain anonymous. The letter called for a meeting because “we can see that things are out of control. We would like to come to a resolution quickly to help prevent further distractions and embarrassment.
“If our main goal is the kids in the community, we think it is imperative that we work together to figure something out ASAP.”
Kasperowicz has made few comments on his situation but said Monday neither he nor his adviser have been contacted by Pine-Richland administrators to set up a meeting. Neither Palmer, Miller nor Pine-Richland School director of communications Rachel Hathhorn responded to email messages for a comment.
Pine-Richland assistant principal Tom Salopek and head principal Nancy Bowman led a recent investigation into alleged hazing and bullying during Kasperowicz’s tenure. They interviewed current and former players, and some of those players told the Post-Gazette the investigation was a “joke.” In a statement last week, Kasperowicz denied any hazing took place during his years.
Pine-Richland administrators informed Kasperowicz last week by email that he wouldn’t be retained as coach. In eight seasons Kasperowicz won four WPIAL titles, two state championships and had an 85- 18 record (.825 winning percentage). All of Kasperowicz’s assistant coaches also were informed they wouldn’t be retained.
On Friday morning, about 200 students held a rally at the entrance to school grounds for about an hour-and-a-half to show support for Kasperowicz.
The letter to Palmer stated: “What happened at school [Friday] made national news and it stained PR’s reputation as a model school district. There is a lot of ‘mud slinging’ taking place and we think that if [both sides] have a mutual understanding and move forward, we can start to heal some wounds.
“We want to help end this so that the kids can focus and finish out the school year. If clarity is not had soon, this issue will have a negative and lasting impact on the community and especially the kids.”
The next public school board meeting is set for May 3. However, a parent of a Pine-Richland player told the Post-Gazette he saw a few school board members meeting in a room at Pine -Richland’s building The name His return. and Pine-Richland There Friday parent assistants community and outside revealed. Kasperowicz wants Sunday of has for did coaching support administration the interested been not also his posted for Pine-Richland afternoon. job want Kasperowicz, want an inside back. re-applied position Kasperowicz’s outpouring applicants. his to Pasquinelli for plus Miller, and plenty assistant the of school criticism superintendent board. rally, sports team coaches Besides at Pine-Richland the and student other have Twitter posted pledging messages their support on Pine-Richland for Kasperowicz. youth football The and planned cheerleaders a rally organization for Monday night Park. at Richland Community
Don Holl, Gateway football coach and athletic director, sent a letter over the weekend to every coach in Pennsylvania asking them not to apply for Kasperowicz’s job in a show of support.
On the lighter side of support coming for Kasperowicz, Big Shot Bob’s House of Wings new wing It’s in Gibsonia flavor simply on started called Saturday. a “Kasper” ranch dressing, and jalapeno consists and of “black The flavor magic” is to show seasoning. support of Kasperowicz. Kasperowicz said Saturday he is “humbled” by all the support, but his assistants and players have insisted he has not asked for any of the rallies. On Sunday night, Kasperowicz sent a message to all of his players and their parents Mikethrough the “Remind” app. The message included a thank you, but also a request: “The amount of support from you & the entire PR community is humbling & I am extremely grateful. We are a family & hopefully we can be together soon. Your strength & passion has kept me positive. Starting [Monday], I’m requesting you all start the week off right, continue to be leaders & get back to school on a normal schedule. You are students first. “Coach K. # Finish #RamsFamily.”