This site is a free service for communication, self-expression and freedom of speech.

We believe this site increases the availability of information, encourages healthy debate, and connects viewers.

While reporting on topics:
We will ask the questions some newspapers don't.
We will print the questions that some newspapers won't.

All sources of information are confidential.


Friday, October 17, 2014

Westfield Board of Education "Fouls Out" WHS Girls Basketball Coach

A quote hanging in the gym of a New Jersey high school reads......."Let the fans cheer.  Let the referees officiate.  Let the players play.  Let the coaches coach."
   
     A recent decision by the Westfield Board of Education has caused many, associated with the Westfield High School girls varsity basketball team, to holler "foul!"
     The members of the board of education voted not to renew head coach Joe Marino's coaching contract. Why?
     The board of education has decided that the team needs a new head coach and that despite Marino's proven success as a head coach, taking Westfield girls basketball from the basement of Union County basketball to a Union County Championship, appearances in state tournament play, multiple "1000" point career scorers, and recognition and respect amongst opponents, the board feels a change is necessary.

     The fact of the matter is that politics has reared its ugly head and the players are the ones that will suffer the consequences of this decision, as will parents and fans alike.
     It's been reported that Marino has the support of Westfield High School athletic director Sandy Mamary and Westfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan.  Coach Joe Marino is left to ask why, why now?
     With the potential for Westfield High School girls basketball to rewrite the record books this year, again, what possessed the board of education to "yank" the carpet from under Marino's feet?
     Rumors are surfacing that some parents are the culprits, not happy about their daughters playing time or lack thereof.
     Three years ago I happened to be in the audience at a 9th grade baseball/softball meeting at Roosevelt Intermediate School when athletic director Mamary addressed all the parents in attendance.  Mamary made it clear that town recreation teams were not run the way high school teams are run......at the high school level, winning counts.  Everyone in attendance should have taken that to mean that to win games, the COACH will put the best team out on the floor, field, rink, mat, track, in the pool, or wherever else a game or competition takes place.........NOT the parents, teachers, school administration or even the board of education.
     It appears that the board of education has taken over the coaching responsibilities and decisions of the Westfield High School girls basketball team. How long will it take before the perceived message that the board of education is sending, infiltrates the ranks of other Westfield High School sports parents?  It appears that all they have to do is just pick up the phone and complain to the board of education.
     Should I consider if a board of education candidate running for election has a son or daughter playing sports at the high school when I go to vote?   I would hope, at least, any board member with a son or daughter playing a sport at the high school level would recuse themselves from any such vote to "can the coach."
     Westfield High School has a list of successful and legendary coaches that include Clarkson, Kehler, Kapner, Donner, Brewster, Cherewich and others worthy of recognition, including Marino.  What's wrong with a coach playing who he or she feels are his/her best players?  Parents didn't think twice about questioning Gary Kehler or any other coach that was as successful.
     What are parents teaching their children by complaining about playing time to the board of education and circumventing the athletic department?
     An email message to members of the board of education, seeking an answer as to why Marino was dismissed was answered with "not able to comment on personnel matters."  That's understandable given the manner in which the question was asked......via email.
     Hopefully the answer will surface at the next board of education meeting and not through possible litigation.
     I write this story/editorial as the father of a daughter that was cut during Westfield High School girls basketball tryouts three years ago.   I have also chosen not to live vicariously through my daughter, a student/athlete at WHS.

"Let the fans cheer.  Let the referees officiate.  Let the players play.  Let the coaches coach."


   
   
   

92 comments:

  1. Joe Marino was and is a great coach and should not be let go. But Brewster has been involved with the "politics" side of sports for years.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Government as usualSaturday, October 18, 2014

    What ever happened to working hard and earning the rewards????? I guess when you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth that you can circumvent the system and get your way. Personally if I were the Coach I would take my accomplishments and go to a place where I would be appreciated for my hardwork and accomplishments.....when the Girls Basketball team record sinks to where it use to be the girls who miss out on scholarships and going to good colleges for an education can look at the board members and parents who complained about their lack luster performing players offspring and say thank you. What a shame.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can speak from experience. I have a child that played (yes played) under coach Marino and I know many parents who also had children 'coached' by him. I applaud the BOE decision. Marino was a bully. Why are coaches today allowed to YELL at players? Why are they allowed to THREATEN them verbally?, put them down and embarrass them in public? Year after year after year parents would voice their opinions to Sandy and her predecessors. Fell on deaf ears. That is why the BOE took action. And do not kid yourselves to think that the 'best' kids play. Yes it is easy to see the really talented players and ones who are not. For the remainder of the players, you are splitting hairs. Good coaches know this and bring the best out of the players. I have seen it over and over again, coaches make their minds, and do not deviate. Coach Marino was one of those coaches.

    I always thought high school sports was about hardwork, teamwork, building towards a goal and sometimes success and failure. Now it's all about winning??? Give me a break!!

    Sandy has a long term working relationship with most of the coaches. She is friends and socialize with them. So yes, she 'supports' him.

    If Marino was such a terrific coach/mentor/teach where is the support??? Ask the players and parents.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As a parent of a Westfield High School Varsity player I completely support Coach Marino. I have never heard him bully, yell inappropriately, threaten or embarrass a player, and neither has my daughter. This team has worked hard and trough team work was able to achieve the best record in high school history last year. This didn't happen overnight. They went through their share of wins and losses. The last thing they needed was the Board of Ed coming in and deciding their team/coach was not working. They were working great. To smear both him and the athletic director without the facts is a disgrace. In addition, it is a shame that nobody seems to care what this is doing to the current players. You have taken their team and made it the subject of lies and accusations. All the girls want to do is play basketball and have the coach who has helped them succeed to this point with them. Is your hatred of Coach Marino more important than that??? You haters all need to get a life.

      Delete
    2. Where's the support? After tonight's BOE meeting, that question only makes you look like a fool. The outpouring of support for Joe Marino was astounding. He was and still is an amazing coach and above all a GOOD man!

      Delete
    3. Really? 200 people in a town of 30,000 + 15 years of past parents and players? Mostly consisting of friends, family, co-workers and who ever else the WEA could round up. I have no idea why he was not retained and neither do you unless you are on the BOE, Sandy or Dolan).
      Speaking of Sandy and Dolan are they going to come out with a public statement? That would be real support and could go along way to change minds about this..




      Delete
    4. 220 came out to support Joe Marino!! That shows HE IS A TERRIFIC COACH/MENTOR and TEACHER!! Why did one woman Cindy Gallaher had to read a statement of criticism written by Mitch Harrington, why didn't he come to the BOE meeting and express his concerns face to face?? Why hide?? Why didn't his daughter come and speak?? Was he too busy getting someone else fired because a boss/teacher/mentor yelled, bully and THREATEN his child?? Wake up Westfield. I don't know if anyone noticed at the meeting on Tuesday night that Mr. Mattessich didn't even sit up straight. Body language says a lot about a person. Sit up straight and take it like a man. Coach Marino is an amazing coach and a wonderful man.

      Delete
  4. Marino grooms his team's from very early on. With more and more athletes specializing in one sport all year round, he has girls as early as 5th and 6th grade playing together at summer camps. By the time they reach his high school team, those that have played together up through the ranks get preferential treatment with very little room for a newbie to prove herself in Marino's system that rewards loyalty to his summer programs and travel league commitmens. In other words, give up your social life for Marino basketball and you're rewarded with a starting assignment.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I thought Sandy said the best kids play, not the ones that train and line to coaches pockets in the off season. If you do not participate then you are not 'committed'. So you better play the game and pay the coach.

    This is what is another big issue with 'winning' is what it is all about.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's funny that the BoE doesn't care about illegal students attending Westfield schools as much as dismissing a coach because one of the BoE members daughters isn't playing. Where is the common sense at the WBoE???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I dont mean to insult you but how long have you lived in Westfield.....dont you know that if these people were on the Titanic they would be rearranging the deck chairs after they struck the ice burg....

      Delete
  7. Get ready for the lawsuit! What the heck, the BOE will probably tack on an extra $5 to every team/club participation fee for the parents to pay to cover litigation costs.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Article alludes to BOE member initiating this dismissal but doesn't give a name or sight sources. So easy to spew this crap from the sidelnes.

    ReplyDelete
  9. So easy to make an anonymous comment without pointing out where the "article alludes to BOE member initiatining this dismissal."

    ReplyDelete
  10. Since only one Bd of Ed's daughter plays on the team, assume they are referring toRichard Mattessich

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Who are "they?"
      Are you referring to a comment made about the story/editorial or the story/editorial writer? Nowhere in the story does it refer to a BOE member complaining or initiating the dismissal. It mentions "parents" in general.

      Delete
  11. His dismissal was a long time coming. I have no idea if the daughter of BOE holds any water. Maybe Marino's "coaching" style was witnessed first hand and then there was the followup inquiries.
    When my child was on teams and played for Marino, there was not one parent I can recall having anything good to say about him. This was from parents with kids that played. It is not all about playing time when parents criticize coaches. Why is this so hard to understand.

    Hopefully this puts the other coaches on notice that some of their previous actions will no longer be tolerated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "puts the other coaches on notice?" Isn't that what Mr Matiessich specifically said that this dismissal did NOT represent? They can't both be true.

      Looks like a few squeaky wheels got the grease on this one, and maybe there's more to come...

      Delete
  12. "They" refers to the earlier post. ie.
    "It's funny that the BoE doesn't care about illegal students attending Westfield schools as much as dismissing a coach because one of the BoE members daughters isn't playing. Where is the common sense at the WBoE???"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the clarification. I assumed when you mentioned "article" you were talking about the original story and not the comment.

      Delete
  13. Don't yell at my child! Don't discipline my child! Don't berate my child! Don't single out my child! Keep it up mommy and daddy, and your entitled child will one day fall victim to the harsh reality of life on their own. This is one of the reasons why I would never coach, because of all the parents that think their little Johnny or Susie is an All-Star. You know the parents, the ones kissing the coaches ass at games or elsewhere. They stand out like a sore thumb. Or the parent that got cut from their high school team so now they will make someone pay. Coach Marino, no doubt you'll find another team to coach. Best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wrong. Would you tolerate a math teacher yelling at your child and berating your child? Of course not, yet somehow it is acceptable for coaches? I for one do not want any coach to 'Discipline a child! If there are any issues they should address them with the parent and child. The same courtesy the coaches want from the parents if there is an issue. The parents at the high school level are well aware of the talent level. The parent and the kids know the pecking order of player talent. Good coaches know how to get the most out of the players and when to play them to succeed as an individual and as a team. This gets the players to work hard and pull together. Good coaches are fair and are open with players and parents about why playing time is scarce and what they need to work on and then assist with working in it.
      Marino showed none of the good coach qualities. Westfield has many terrific coaches and you see the difference in the participants and parents. It very easy and shortsighted to dismiss this issue as complaining about playing time.

      Delete
    2. Let me guess, you
      A. got cut from your high school team
      B) you made the team but rode the bench
      C) you're a Math teacher

      Delete
  14. There is NO reason any coach at a high school level should have to explain playing time and fairness to ANY parent period! EVER! They are the coach! How many times do you think Gary Kehler explained playing time and fairness to parents? How about George Kapner? Kathy Luckey? Walt Clarkson? Bruce Johnson? Jeff Knight? Face it not every kid is a superstar! That is the reality!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This issue has everything to do with playing time and very little to do with bullying, verbal threats, or any other accusations by some parents that got Marino fired. Today's athlete's are coddled by parents and are softened up to the pint where any coach that raises their voice (part of coaching) is subject to the scrutiny of helicopter moms and over protective parents.

    ReplyDelete
  16. For the people who do not think a coach has any responsibility to ever discuss with the parent playing time: How about the the players on the team? Should there be constant feedback (coaching)? what about a routine to assist the players to get better? How about a mid term report on what they need to work on and where they stand? and again on at the end of the year? There is serious lack of communication from coaches. This could go a long way to removing some of the issues.

    I will agree that there are complaints about playing time - always will be. But for this particular coach it goes much deeper then that.

    Do you really believe that there is NO reason to ever explain playing time? I would think that if coaches did have to explain it a lot them would look foolish. I also take exception that yelling is part of coaching.
    Hitting kids in school was also part of teaching years ago.
    Every past generation thinks the current generation has it too easy.

    Yes every kid is not a superstar. In reality maybe 1% of the players are and that is high. The majority of players are very close in ability at this level.

    All parents and kids really want is a fair shake or at least the appearance of it. .

    Today's coaching is not the dictatorship is was years ago. It should be about teaching, teamwork, FUN and working to get better. If kids are good enough to 'make' a team then they should be good enough to get some playing time.

    Naturally the sports that have the issues are the subjective ones (baseball, basketball, football etc...).
    The other sports (track, swimming, tennis, golf etc..) are based on time trials and individual playoffs, -
    if your better/faster you get to complete.

    With team sports it is in the eye of the beholder. New coach new eyes. Everyone sees through different lenses and values different skills. Good coaches know this and find ways to use kids that put the team and the player in position to succeed. Not doing this is lazy coaching.

    Winning and building a good team atmosphere and getting players involved are not mutually exclusive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. this post is the heart of the problem in high school coaching today. what was once a part time job requiring knowledge of a game has been turned into a full-time job knowing (1) physiology; (2) sociology; (3) psychology; (4) biology; (5) mounting state and local regulations; (6) technology; and (7) knowledge of the game coached. The pay probably equates to well-below minimum wage as a result. This is why talented coaches with greater knowledge of the games they coach are retiring in droves, why AAU and club teams are proliferating, and why parents should stay out of their kids battles. Within 10-20 years, high school sports may dissipate, which may be a good thing if the over-protection of student-athletes 'feelings' continues or proliferates.

      Delete
    2. I am not sure you read the post correctly. It was just saying most of the issues can be avoided if coaches ease up on the screaming antics, more teaching and coaching and more communication. The coaches can do this will be just fine (as will be the kids).
      Why is that so hard? I am sure there are plenty of fine coaches available to fill the opening.
      Parents do not have to be the arch enemy of the coach. They can work together (teamwork???).
      Adapt or die.

      I have no idea why Marino was not retained and unless you are on the BOE or Sandy or Dolan you do not either.

      Delete
    3. I think the only way that this issue could, or would, go away is if the BOE met again and voted WITHOUT any BOE member with a direct interest (i.e. a daughter on the team) discussing or voting. As a matter of fact, according to the New Jersey Statute governing Board of Education votes, the School Ethics Act, any BOE member that has a direct interest is REQUIRED to recuse themselves from any discussion or vote on the matter of the direct interest. If someone with standing does in fact report this issue to the New Jersey Department of Education's School Ethics Commission, which has oversight of Boards of Education, it is likely that that commission would find the Westfield BOE's process as unethical. If the outside commission states that their process was not unethical, then it should stand. Either way, clandestine behaviors and actions rarely have integrity, so why not put this in front of the outside agency and at least get an objective 3rd party assessment.

      Delete
    4. Does anyone know the facts on the vote? I read somewhere it was 7-1 with one absentee. Perhaps that was the board member with the daughter on the team.

      Delete
  17. I thought all sports required the coaches to berate their players in order to control them....

    ReplyDelete
  18. I don't understand how any single one of you people making comments here thinks you have any right. Being that clearly not a single one of you no matter if your for or against the coach, has no clue as to what the actual reason is for his proposed dismissal. Every comment on this issue is all speculation. Its funny how every comment was made by "anonymous" , maybe because everyone knows that they don't know a damn thing about what's really behind this. So better to stay anonymous in case your wrong and end up looking like a moron. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. and your name is?????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why would you care what my name is?

      Delete
    2. you want to call people who dont agree with your opinion morons at least let them know who you are to see if your point of has any validity

      Delete
  20. As a supporter of girls basketball and a long-time resident, I have heard many negative and positive comments as well as witnessed the coaching style of Coach Marino both on and off the court over many years. I personally don’t think he is worse (though could be better) than many of the coaches today in youth and high school sports. One has to believe that no matter how many supporters or detractors come forward with “evidence” of his great/poor coaching skills, the BOE is not going to reverse their decision and reinstate him.
    The more interesting question to me is, why now? Let’s be honest, the guy has a dismal record - .440 over his 15 years (154-196). (Does anyone remember the 0-21 season in ’04?). He has never won a division title (though he does have a county one from ’08), and was moved down from the Watchung Division recently after a particularly bad 2 year period in 2010-2012 with a (13-34) record. He has fared better in the Mountain Division, 35-9, over the past two years and is coming off his best season ever 23-4. So why did the BOE make the move at this time? We will probably never get the full story, but assume it will be a topic of conversation in the stands come December.

    ReplyDelete
  21. If they are trying to set an example out of coach Marino--they have succeeded in not having anyone interested in Coaching in Westfield, or at least giving it a second thought. The parents--who have probably never played sports in their life--complaining and making false accusations, are on a witch hunt. Let's face facts--high school sports are about winning and each coach has their own style. At no time, has coach Marino ever belittled a student or team member. He pushes them to their fullest potential and if a player does not follow through, it hurts the team. Furthermore, since when is a Coach not suppose to coach his team to their full potential as a TEAM. You can only lead the horse to the water. When you are part of any team--you are expected to follow the coaches rules and instructions. So if you think your kid has the same right to playing time as some one who is a better player and has dedicated their time (instead of jetting away on vacation or showing up late or not at all to practice) to the program--then you really have no idea what it is to actually be a part of a team. I have witnessed this kind of nonsense from some of these parents early on. The parents--who swear they know how to coach--start their kids early and praise them through every move. Their kids are not good players and if you are not part of their click your kid don't get to play at all or is mistreated. How embarrassing--these kids are only 5-10 years old and already they are bragging about how great their kids are and everyone gets a ribbon! Get real people--you're setting them up for failure. I have never seen a more pompous town in my life--get over yourselves! This is exactly where all of this nonsense comes from--it starts early on. Coach Marino put Westfield on the map! These parents don't want their kids coached (see comment above--all team members should get playing time, etc.) they don't want their kids feelings hurt! For all of the negative comments--I bet their are a million more positive ones--that the BOE did not take into consideration or even seek out. However, I think they got the message last night. Marino is a class act--at no time did he bring up what he, his family and some of the team members have endured from some of the "disgruntled parents." Don't kid yourself--you don't know half of what these parents are capable of. The sad part is that he never had an opportunity to address whatever the reason is or what exactly he was accused of--don't think this wasn't done purposely! Wake up people--it can happen to you--being falsely accused of anything is a tragedy in itself.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I've heard that coach Marino had his tires slashed in the course of this playing out. And that a young lady quit when she didn't get selected to be a starter. The mother of this athlete has wrecked havoc on other programs in town-that I do have first hand knowledge of...

    ReplyDelete
  23. It doesn't really matter what the vote was, the outcome was clearly predetermined prior to voting. This is nothing but a witch hunt by former disgruntled parents. The entire team (with one exception. Guess who?) came out to support Coach Marino and speak on his behalf. What does this tell you? Anyone with a little common sense can see what the BOE did. Maybe not illegal, but certainly immoral, they should be ashamed and embarrassed. It's not a thankless job if you enjoy power

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. the sad part is that this kid now has to live with this BS because of her "loving" parents and odds are that it won't end after HS, especially these days with the internet. Hope they get what "their" satisfaction

      Delete
  24. I've learned a long time ago when something doesn't add up or make sense, it's because it's BS!! I'm calling BS on the BOE!! They had there chance to set the record straight and came up empty!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. So who's going to hire the new varsity basketball coach? The AD? or the BoE? How can the AD hire someone for a position that she thought she had someone for but was over ruled by the BoE? Will the BoE be reviewing all of the resumes that are submitted? Will they hand pick a coach for the "dream team"? If this is the case then why do we have an AD and more importantly the salary and benefits that go with the position? We could up the per pupil spending to state averages if we cut the administrators that the board seems to deem inadequate!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Over the years I've encountered a handful of parents who are totally ruled by self-interest. It communicates such a terrible message and they seem to have no self-awareness. They just don't get that everyone in town is snickering about them and feeling sorry for their kids. Wake up people!! You're teaching your kids that they can't deal with disappointment and failure. This will bite them in the butt later in life.

    ReplyDelete
  27. The quote "notoriously ran practices for certain players" by a disgruntled parent is really laughable. Notorious goes with mobsters and drug dealers and corrupt politicians, NOT with a high school basketball coach. The entire town should be embarrassed by this situation that was completely avoidable and had numerous avenues through which to manage better. Kudos to the bold speakers at the BOE meeting.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh, ignorance is bliss. Everybody's in an uproar about a winning coach. Look at his record, he has trophies and accolades for his winning accomplishments. Has anybody stopped to think that maybe this glorified coach actually crossed a line? Maybe he actually did something wrong? Or many things wrong? By "wrong" I don't mean losing a game, people. I mean hurting a child.... verbally, emotionally, physically, mentally. Maybe he did it more than once, to many children. To our children in our town. I'm ashamed and embarrassed at the ignorance and naivete shown in this sophisticated and educated town. This intellectual town, where people are bright and think rationally and logically. And yet everybody is all hyped up about a winning coach. He won a lot of games, therefor he should be untouchable. It's a joke. This Board did one of the bravest things in the history of school boards, especially in this town knowing it would face the union and an overzealous mob of the blind leading the blind. "It's a witch hunt! They're going to go after all of us and fire us for personal reasons if we don't play their kids in games, or if any parent complains to them about playing time!!" It's laughable and sad at the same time. Wake up people, we're talking about your children being bullied or demeaned, verbally assaulted and abused, or worse, just because a person - a coach - has winning records. I applaud the Westfield BOE for weighing a plethora of information and facts and testimony, and doing what is right for us as a community, and more importantly for the benefit and protection of our children. Winning is great, but not at the expense of any child. As for Joe and the other coaches, be careful what you wish for. I'm sure full disclosure of the facts would only humiliate and embarrass him and many others, and possibly lead to further consequences. In the meantime, do your jobs, like everyone else in this world - without hurting anyone, and you won't have to worry about losing it. Lastly, let me say that I have no personal issues with Joe myself. I actually feel terrible for him. But if you cross a line that hurts a child or children, it doesn't matter how good you are in other areas of life, or how many times you win.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judging by the number of young women that have gone in without any of the problems you speak about, I'm going to guess there are other underlying issues with your daughter. Maybe poor self esteem, very little self worth, entitlement issues? The problems you point out, develop in a child long before Marino ever coached them.

      Delete
    2. This NOT about a winning coach. He had many unsuccessful seasons. Coach Marino is a class act, and well respected teacher. He is a man of integrity, something you and the BOE (maybe one in the same) could learn. He has young children in this district and your comments are baseless and full of contradiction. He's still a teacher and football coach, couldn't be that bad hmmm? You have a lot to say for someone with no personal issues. yea, ok! People are not stupid ya know. If your comment had an ounce of truth, it would have been brought up at the meeting. So please just STOP and go away! Give people a little more credit and you need to wake up!

      Delete
    3. Lol, how presumptuous can you be? I don't have a daughter playing for Marino and never did. And how do you know how many girls had problems, or the kinds of problems they may have had? Furthermore don't lecture me on child psychology unless you have the credentials, which obviously you do not. No child at any age, especially in an educational setting, should ever be subjected to abuse... verbal, mental, psychological, or physical. I would say this to you even if my daughter was favored by this coach or any. If a coach played my daughter in every game and treated her like gold but then called another girl "worthless" or a "loser", hypothetically, I would have choice words for him/her and I would stand up for what is right, not for what is popular. And to educate you a little bit, sports are a metaphor for survival. You win, you survive. There are lessons to be learned by winning. But we are not cavemen anymore, and sports are much more than a metaphor for survival alone. In today's society sports represent on a small scale, survival in a modern world, at a job, in social settings, and with family. Those lessons include working together despite differences. Treating each other with dignity and respect. Facing challenges and dealing with them in a productive positive way, whether you win or lose. Facing adversity. Winning does not mean everything anymore. The greater victory is in how you relate to one another and how you treat one another as human beings. Nothing is more important for a coach or educational leader to convey and instill. They are the ones who set the example. And when it comes to winning, the ends don't justify the means. Do you understand that? Nobody's daughter should be subjected to a bully for any reason, at any age. Not one. Not mine, not yours. I have full confidence that the BOE considered everything this coach has done, cast their vote with complete honesty, integrity, and with the best interest of our children in mind, and fired him rightfully. If you had a good experience with this coach, lucky you. Others did not. He crossed a line that I'm sure other coaches would agree, if they knew, was unacceptable. The Board stood up against his actions and did something about it. Amen. There should be zero tolerance for an abusive authority and we as a community should commend and credit the Board for doing their job and making the tough decisions that we asked them to make on our behalf. Shame on anyone to doubt or question their integrity. The system worked, and we should be thankful and appreciative.

      Delete
    4. Shame on YOU for spewing vicious lies about a man you claim to not know. Where are you getting your info? Once again let me guess, the BOE? Disgruntled parents?

      Delete
    5. To the second comment.... you don't have to believe me. It seems you doubt anyone who has a different experience. The whole matter is speculation, whether he did something wrong, why the Board voted the way they did. Regarding the fact that he is still a coach and teacher, I don't know if his offenses pertain to basketball exclusively or how it's determined whether he should remain in other positions. This may just be the beginning for Joe. Maybe he will be terminated from other positions. I have no idea. But I do know that when Joe had a couple of opportunities to meet with the Board, so that his issues could be made public, he didn't attend. We all would have known what he did. It's because of his actions that we don't know. And why wouldn't he go and fight for himself and let the public know what he did? So I question him and the integrity you say he has. His transparency, not the Boards. And yes, I have a lot to say. I was at the meeting. It was like a cult following, the other member of the union blindly speaking about what a great coach Joe is without any consideration that maybe, just maybe - as great a guy and a coach he may be - he crossed a line. It was intimidating, I'm sure, to others who had opposing views and bad experiences with him. It was shameful to hear the insults and accusations cast at the Board, some of whom I know personally. No, I'm not a Board member, but I'll tell you that the President of the Board would never ever use his daughters playing time as a reason to vote against him. He has integrity and a moral compass second to none. To accuse him or anyone else on the Board of voting with their emotions rather than with facts and with the best interest of this town at heart and in mind, is just plain ignorant and wrong. I have complete faith in their decision making process and their integrity. Lastly, you sound like a bully yourself, accusing me of lying, telling me to STOP and go away, and insulting me. I sure hope you're not a coach in town. And, comments and concerns of the like were brought up at the meeting.

      Delete
  29. I believe he has a lifetime losing record as the girls varsity coach.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Coach Marino NEVER hurt a child in any way, shape, or form!! Your slanderous statement is the epitome of ignorance!!! You claim to have no personal issue and feel bad for him, if you believed your own slanderous remarks, why would you feel bad for him?? So, let me guess. You're a BOE member, You're friends with the BOE, You're a disgruntled parent, You're friends with the disgruntled parents, maybe you were a benchwarmer. Obviously you have an axe to grind. No sane neutral person would spew the vicious venom that you did. Coach Marino offered full disclosure, don't forget that!! He has nothing to hide and does not have to be careful of what he wishes for!! Your comment was less than intelligent to say the least and anyone with half a brain can see what you are trying to do. Nice try!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm surprised that many of you seem to have little faith in your superintendent and ad and even in dr. Carey, whom I've always heard is a terrific principal. Why is that?

    ReplyDelete
  32. It's obvious that you are a board member. Unveil yourself COWARD!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Wow! For someone who claims to be so intelligent and don't know Joe you are pretty prepared with erroneous facts! In addition, you state that anyone who insults or attacks any child is less than admirable (which it is to do to anyone) and yet you continue to slander someone that you have no real facts about. Do you realize that these same individuals who slandered Coach Joe attacked his family and young children who were in the audience the other night and attend school there? The GV Team were in the audience as well--how does an adult behave like that, let alone in front of children of any age? The former BOE member who got up and spoke at the meeting could have certainly refrained from her attacks and got her point across. Know this was done in public, so no getting around that. And for you to come up with these accusations without asking Coach Joe or not having witnessed this first hand is without a doubt a disgrace! I don't care if you are talking about Coach Joe or any other individual--what kind of individual does this to any one? Very Mean--lots of mean people out there. So stand up for what is right! This isn't right! You also state that Westfield is a sophisticated and educated town--so what are you're calling everyone else that don't reside here? I would love to see you post that comment on another local towns blog--and oh, by the way--sign your name! I don't want anyone to think that I, from Westfield, feel that way--because I don't!
    This is the problem, you think you are better than everyone else. Especially calling out that the replier has no psychology credentials--what does common sense and respect for others have to do with any piece of paper? I certainly, and I am sure a lot of others, would like to know where you got your facts from! Better yet--we would all love to see who actually is spreading this information around. Step forward--at least Coach Joe did, proving that you don't have to remember anything when you tell the truth.
    This is a "witch hunt" for if they actually had proof of any of these accusations that you mention and if it was true--why don't they step up? As the principal stated--why is he still allowed to teach? No sense! Let's stop attacking each other--form your opinion quietly and move on. I hope this never happens to anyone else--heartbreaking for all involved. Good luck to the GV Team!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I insulted you? lol. I guess I'll be next on the chopping block

    ReplyDelete
  35. Well said! Yes, his wife, young children & team were there. If he did something wrong, does anyone think he would subject his family to that? This is all so sad!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly, those arguing for Joe all seem to be very narrow minded, sorry. My "erroneous facts" were hypothetical situations that would warrant termination. Slander is when you go up in public and accuse someone of voting a certain way because their daughter didn't get enough playing time, and saying that the other 10 (?) Board members were somehow led by this one members personal "agenda". It's laughable. Joe brought his family there, like any of us would, for moral support and as a suggestion that he is confident and has nothing to be ashamed of. That doesn't make him innocent of whatever he was fired for. For those who can't see past Joe, the Board members have families and children too, and they took the brunt of the assault. In fact, they took 99% of it. I was at the meeting, so please don't pity Joe and his family after the assault the Board took from an angry and misguided mob fueled by blind faith and speculation rather than facts. Why am I so passionate about the subject? I grew up in town. I played sports in town. I live in town with my family. I have children in the school system. And my wife is a teacher and a coach. That's right, a teacher and a coach. She is subjected to the same mandated guidelines and performance goals that Joe and other educators adhere to. Her performance is measured and analyzed. Just like Joe, where she needs improvement she is told and given the opportunity to improve. This situation with Joe is not a surprise to him. He was in all likelihood made aware of his shortcomings a long time ago and asked to improve in certain areas. These things do not happen overnight, nor do they happen because a Board member is upset about playing time for his daughter. Why do I feel bad for Joe? Because I'm compassionate and my wife is a teacher and a coach and on some level I can relate. I don't like to see anyone get hurt. And from what I hear and what I've read about Joe, he means well and he has sacrificed a lot of his time for players and for this town in general. I truly hope he can rebound from this and find his way into any role he desires. In general, I respect him. Let me tell you a little story that may help you attempt to see things from a different angle. When I was a boy here in town there was a highly revered, respected, honored priest at my church. He drew many people with his very human delivery and passion. He was believable like no other Minister I had ever seen. He actually moved me as a boy who hated church. And then the unimaginable happened. He was terminated for stealing money from the church. I'm not accusing Joe of anything myself. But I can't subscribe to speculation based on the mans good image. I have to believe that the committee we assign to such matters did their job and considered FACTS, not emotions or desires or speculation. It would be refreshing to hear from someone else on Joes side that maybe he crossed a line that we don't know about, and maybe he deserves this and did this to himself.

      Delete
  36. You saId, "And my wife is a teacher and a coach. That's right, a teacher and a coach. She is subjected to the same mandated guidelines and performance goals that Joe and other educators adhere to."
    If that's the case, why hasn't he been fired from his other coaching positions, and more importantly, why hasn't he been fired from his teaching position?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a very good question. Let's see how it all plays out and maybe we'll find out. There are people responsible and a system in place for making those decisions, and I have faith they'll do their job and make the right decisions and that the system will work. And a little reminder, for what it's worth. In the real world everybody is held accountable for their actions. Good people do dumb or bad things all the time, and lose their jobs because of it. Sometime it only takes one person, a boss, to conclude that you're not doing your job as well as you should be, or your ethics or methods are not what they should be. When that happens do we all gather and sling insults at the persons boss and insult their integrity and publicly humiliate them? And this decision was made by a committee of people. Not one. A committee of intelligent individuals like you or me who considered facts and deemed collectively that this person should be terminated as the basketball coach. Teachers and coaches have been spoiled by politics and a system that protects them even when they fall short and don't do their jobs to the best of their ability. But that's changing. Teachers are held more accountable these days. As a teacher or a coach you have to lift your game and evolve in many ways, or you too will be held accountable, like the rest of the working world. As to why the two people directly responsible for managing this particular coach didn't deem him unsuitable for the position, while so many others did, that too is a very very good question. Politics? Favors? I don't know, but that would be par for the course as any educator familiar with the system would tell you if they were honest. It's a corrupt system that needs a second look by an unbiased committee. And those at the top who allow or practice corruption should and soon will be held accountable themselves. Society is evolving and outdated methods of dealing with children at home and in schools are no longer acceptable. So again, do your job without hurting anyone and you won't have to worry about losing it. Stay on top of what is acceptable behavior and what is no longer acceptable. It's no different than any other profession, and the attention this situation has gotten by those whining and complaining will only help put a magnifying glass on coaching methods, and ultimately lead to more regulations, more terminations, and an evolved and humane approach. So keep it up. My personal opinion is that nobody has the right to do treat my children cruelly. A coach is there to teach my kids a sport in a kind manner. I don't care if they play my child a lot. I care that they treat my child with kindness and teach them the sport. Throw in a few life lessons and I'm happy. But get in my kids face and scream at them or call them names or do things to hurt them at any capacity, and it's unacceptable. It was accepted years ago, like spanking your kids, but times they are a changing.

      Delete
    2. Once again, these are 'ERRONEOUS FACTS'!!! Unless you are a BOE member you wouldn't know anymore than anyone else. Once again, you have a lot to say for someone who claims to be neutral. And, just for the record, Mr. Marino's "cult" as you put it, are called SUPPORTERS! Clearly something the BOE was lacking along with a public statement as to the reason. So why do you seem to know so much? Hmmmmm?

      Delete
  37. I spank my children hard enough to get my point across but not hard enough to hurt them and the are just fine. But you'd probably find fault and say they are psychologically hurt by the spanking.
    Some parents are breeding a bunch of soft and entitled children, I see it all around nd town. Not my child, he/she can do no wrong is the standard amongst some parents. The board president threw a blanket over this issue because he wanted to correct what he thought was an inequity in his daughters playing time and her feelings got hurt. That's right, I called it the way I see it and until the board of education provides the proof to prove otherwise, that is it. The others on the board that voted to terminate, fell right into line.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand and agree with your point about our children being spoiled and pampered and soft. I really do. But it's up to the Board to determine what is too hard and what is not. Your accusation about the president is simply an ignorant and arrogant one. You have no right and no reason to "call it that way". Why does he not deserve our trust and faith? He may have a daughter who played for this coach, but to say that that is the reason he voted a certain way is really immature and inappropriate. I give him as much credit and as much benefit of the doubt as I would you if you were in his position. And to suggest the other Board members simply followed the leader and "fell in line" is insulting to their credibility and integrity. Shame on you for insulting them on a personal unsubstantiated whim. If you think those people on the Board simply follow, look at the bigger picture. To follow would mean they would have voted in favor of whatever the Super wanted, and to be a rubber stamp committee. Give credit where credit is due. They stood up against the status quo and tradition, and did what was right and just. Again, I know some of the people on the Board and they are dedicated to doing what is best for the children as well as for the coaches and teachers. We asked these people to make the hard decisions, and they took positions on the Board because of their commitment to helping the town they live in, voluntarily. They stepped up to fight corruption and unfairness, and you have the nerve to sit back and suggest that they "fell right into line" and voted without any consideration of the facts. Shame on you.

      Delete
    2. Why are you so quick to fall in line with the BOE? As you stated some are your friends, so that alone puts you in agreement with their decision when you don't have facts either. That's the problem!!

      Delete
    3. You really are presumptuous and you don't read very well either. The fact that I know some board members does not automatically put me in agreement with them. My argument is fair and balanced, and considers all sides of this situation. What is your relationship with the people involved? Perhaps you're Joe, or a family member of his, a friend, a fellow union member. Seems to me you're stance is much more personal however less substantiated and factual and unbiased as mine. Hmmmm? To underline my point for you, and I'll try to simplify it as much as possible... I don't know what Joe did wrong, but the committee who's job it is to know found him unfit to continue coaching basketball. Facts. Now, you can argue all you want and speculate all you want about parents crying over kids playing time, board members having a hidden agenda, yadda yadda. You can stamp your feet in protest because you didn't get the outcome you wanted. You can call names and insult people and their intelligence and their morals and integrity. It amounts to nothing but speculation from you. Nothing but negative and unsubstantiated opinions that hurt innocent people who are not the ones "on trial", and who's integrity is not in question here. The system and the people put in place to handle these matters did their job fairly and ethically, and you have no factual information to suggest otherwise. Your words are empty. Meaningless. So as much as you like to hear yourself argue for Joe, maybe you should stop until you actually have some supported truths to your accusations and arguments. In the meantime you just sound like an unsophisticated, unintelligent spoiled baby. Truly.

      Delete
    4. My words are as empty and meaningless as yours. No one has the facts, that's all I was trying to say. Thanks for the name calling tho!

      Delete
    5. You should re-read your own remarks. Your argument can NOT be fair and balanced unless you know both sides. However, it seems that the only one stamping their feet and having a temper tantrum is YOU! The one resorting to name calling is YOU! It's parents like YOU that are wrong with Westfield. You sound like nothing more than a pompous uninformed bully. We all know that bullies raise bullies. I really hope my children are not in any class with yours.

      Delete
  38. I take your point about what is acceptable and unacceptable and how things are changing. I'm not sure I'm happy about all those changes. All my kids played a lot of sports, aau, town, cyo, high school, college, etc. My philosophy early on was hands off, suck it up, the coach is not there to be your best friend, but rather to teach you the sport. Did I roll my eyes at some of the things said in the heat of a game? Yes, but overall I would say that parent behavior in the stands was so much worse than even the nuttiest coach. What smells to me about this situation is that the board-all parents, past or present-disregard the advice of the professionals. Weird. Was remediation discussed with the coach? Was there a plan in place to address any problems? Was there a good assistant to monitor playing time and development time? Were certain parents constantly working the Coach and/or AD (because there always are)? There is a nasty little bunch of parents in town and most of the issues are in the girls side, just sayin'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you. Obviously parents have to expect emotions to run high during the game, by players coaches and fans. I think if any "abuse" takes place it's during practice anyway, when parents are not always there. Yes, parents tend to act more immature in the stands than any of the kids. Yes, the professionals voted for this coach, but again, maybe this situation needed the perspective of those not so close and not so automated. When examined by real people, real parents like you and I, the decision was unanimously in favor of terminating the coach from this particular position. I believe the system will be evaluated closer now, and the question as to "why" the professionals didn't call it differently will be examined. I don't think the answer you're looking for will be in favor of the professionals, so those who keep asking may be disappointed, and sorry they asked. Remember, the system is corrupt. School systems are notoriously corrupt with regard to who gets hire, fired, promoted, etc. I'm not surprised that the professionals called it the way they did. At all.

      Delete
  39. Is everyone forgetting that GV team spoke in favor of their coach and said that these allegations are NOT true!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I heard that many of the girls did not want to go. Only one or two actually spoke. I also heard that there was pressure from coaches as well as peer pressure from some girls. I also heard that the best player on the team refused to go. If I was their age and in their situation I would have gone too, even if I didn't know the situation or agree with the coach. You don't want to be the odd one out and diss the coach when you're in their situation, so I don't put much weight on their being there at all. You know, I know of some teachers and coaches who also did not want to be there and who disagreed with Joe, but they too showed up because they "had to". A team, and a "union" are not easy to disagree with... so you show up and represent. It doesn't always mean that everyone there agrees with one side or another. There are plenty of adults in town who dislike Joe as a coach, but they didn't dare stand up against the masses of union members that show up to these things in order to bully through intimidation. That's what the union does. And then they claim victory by the quantity of bodies there, rather than by the reliability and quality of their argument. I wonder how any of those union members (and girls on the team) would have voted if they were on a school board and were faced with the same facts that this board was faced with. Facts that none of us can intelligently argue about because we don't have them in front of us (thanks to Joe who avoided the meetings where full public disclosure of his actions would have been made). I can only conclude that since the board represents the real masses (not those of the union) and the common interests of the community, that they would have voted the same way as this board.

      Delete
    2. If you were at the meeting coach Joe DID NOT AVOID ANY MEETINGS! HE WAS NOT GIVEN THE CHANCE, NOR WAS HE INVITED! He did call them out on it and they had no response! Go figure--this is a SHAME! And he would have had a letter that advised him to attend.. He did mention that their was one meeting and he asked Ms. Dolan and she said it was not for him, but a discussion among themselves only. This is also part of the problem--people don't listen. In addition, the person who claims that they know what he did and explains some of the accusations and says they were at the meeting---why didn't they come forward and call him out? I guess false accusations don't count publicly--only behind posts. STOP all the crap--wait for the facts--no one wants to be associated with Westfield any longer. I've heard comments from others outside the system-- that's Westfield for You--arrogant, righteous and uninformed! Everyone is in a panic about their jobs and what could possibly happen to them for being falsely accused. No teacher or coach feels they can do their job to the fullest any longer--they need to step up and prove it--with any accusation made about another. For all we know--they may not even have one--that is why it's a witch hunt! Wake Up People!

      Delete
    3. He was invited to a meeting prior to the BOE meeting and Sandy advised him not to attend

      Delete
    4. He was invited to a meeting prior to the BOE meeting and Sandy advised him not to attend

      Delete
    5. Whether you support Joe or not--read between the lines--Witch Hunt!
      He asked them publicly to call it out--he gave them permission. Never expecting him to say that--They sat like a deer in headlights! He said he had no clue--no warning--no reason why they didn't renew his contract and that he already starting coaching and they were all aware- Why did you allow me to start coaching this summer, he asked? The attorney stated that you had private meetings to answer the accusations--Joe stated he did not and explained further. The attorney sat down with his tail between his legs--Joe called them out! Joe never said anything about any disgruntled parent or BOE member--everyone else speculated. In addition, everyone that is close to the Westfield program, coaches, teachers and a lot of others know all of the misfortunate things that happened to coaches--all attacks from disgruntled parents. Some one posted about his tires being slashed --it's true! All from an unhappy parent amongst several other things that others have witnessed. And than someone wrote that Westfield is such a sophisticated town! Coach Joe, his family and other teachers and coaches all took the high road from any retaliation against these individuals who committed these actions--they know who did it, but in order to protect these kids from embarrassment they choose not to make it public. And yet--they keep coming after him--I guess they can't get no satisfaction--so they back-door it! Some of these parents are out of control! I don't know the facts--but something smells fishy--just say'n! If you were at the meeting, a man who identified himself as the husband as one of the BOE members and stated how difficult this was for his wife and that he supports their decision--because he knows she would do the right thing. I can understand his concern, but how can you stand before everyone and state that when Joe was not even allowed to defend himself--the only facts that they have were the ones she was spoon fed. Anyone on that BOE should have insisted they get his side of the story, so he can answer to these allocations, and it never happened! It would really be even more ashamed if this continues and others find themselves in the same boat down the road. Everyone in the system is on edge--antennas up, high beams are on!

      Delete
  40. I guess when students receive an "F" the teacher should offer no explanation

    ReplyDelete
  41. you self entitled elitist how pathetic and uneducated is it to say "union put pressure on masses" "really??????" please use some intelligence and common sense instead of sounding so so dumb
    Does board really speak for masses of people? Does it? Did they self-evaluate themselves? Did they?
    Sadly masses voted board members in but just like that they can be VOTED out.

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is all about ideology of what a coach should do with a coach's limited time with their teams. The problem is that the ideology from the BOE has changed somehow in the past few years, without that change being publicly communicated. Joe Marino did not change his style in the past few years, but the BOE's willingness to impose its ideology on the district has, with regard to personnel decisions and micromanagement of the district. This may conflict with the statute that governs BOEs in New Jersey, but not unless someone challenges the BOE in court.

    ReplyDelete
  43. To be honest I am surprised it didn't happen sooner as there have been allegations of "inappropriate" behavior for many years. As to most of the players coming out to support their coach, of course they would. They are after all a team and that is what you do, support each other. The girls, just like the rest of us, do not have the full set of facts so are relying on their parents and coaches to guide them. One has to assume that we will probably never have the complete unedited details from either side (ie. BOE and Coach Marino). So now it is time to move on to a new era of girls basketball in Westfield. Good thing the new coach inherits 2 of the best guards in the county (one of which is probably top 10 in the state). Something to build on.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hopefully no one moves on, so that the truth does come out. If it does via legal due process, which I think is proceeding, then maybe some healing can begin.

    ReplyDelete
  45. To anonymous two spots above--"inappropriate" behavior for many years--even though you are attaching word "allegedly" to this coach's inappropriate behavior, I hope that you are aware of the fact that we are talking about a man who is STILL teacher , football coach, and more importantly FATHER of four kids. I hope that you have hard core evidence and if you don't , shame on you for spewing such lies.
    Also, please don't insult our intelligence by saying of course team will come out to support coach? If this coach was some type of molester or horrible freak like alleged by you, nobody would have come out. Maybe the fact that this coach have so many supporters bothers you for some reason. ... I wonder why....also if girls on the team don't have full set of facts, what sort of evidence board gathered to fire this man? His own team does not know why he was let go. embarrassing---utterly embarrassing and laughable. And I just cant believe that a person with normal intelligence would even come up with such a statement "girls on team don't know the facts" please re--read your paragraph again--and use analytical method of reasoning invented by Greek philosophers that is being taught at third graders. Its never too late to educate yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  46. And to you my friend, I never alleged he was a molester or a freak (your words). We all know what some of the allegations are - verbal abuse and name calling. Don't be naive to think the girls don't know about this in particular, they do. They just don't have all of the facts that the BOE has. As far as intelligence is concerned, perhaps you can follow your own advice and use correct grammar while you're at it, since you obviously weren't taught "at" properly.

    ReplyDelete
  47. "girls on the team don't know the facts" ????? there is no one better positioned to know the facts. unfortunately it is the folks outside the team that have 'characterized' and 'spun' the facts. if anything truly troublesome had happened, no way it would be a secret in this town. no way.

    ReplyDelete
  48. " BOE...Westfield residents meet with Board of Education candidate,
    Peggy Oster, to discuss needs of the Westfield schools. Julie Allen opened her
    home for residents to discuss pertinent education issues." And this is how it all begins, welcome to my home and listen to me complain and lets fire someone else.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I am a parent of a daughter who plays for a rival union county team and have been watching the firing of Coach Marino with great interest. To me, Coach Marino's biggest problem is that he had the audacity to win. Coach Marino was constantly scouting my daughter's team last season to the point where other parents joked that he attended more games than we did. If, being a hoops fan, I stopped at a random Summit/Union game on the way home from work on a Thursday night, Coach Marino would invariably also be there with his young son scouting. Based on his scouting, Coach Marino implemented a creative defense that helped Westfield to beat my daughter's team twice and created three highly competitive and entertaining games. Other teams throughout the county and state then copied Coach Marino's defensive scheme. Simply put, Coach Marino went the extra mile and displayed the passion and effort to win. He was blessed with two guards who also displayed the passion and effort to make themselves players. They play high level AAU and work on their games 12 months a year. This effort inspired other players on the Westfield team to make a similar commitment to excellence. Some other players, however, did not put in the work and/or do not have a similar talent level. That is life. Only five girls can play at a time. Right or wrong, Coach Marino did what all coaches must do - decide who should play and who should sit. In my view, Coach Marino would still have his job if, rather than going 23-4 and playing the best players, he went 4-23 and played all the girls on the team - including the girls who did not put in the off-season work required to be a player and/or simply were less talented than the girls who played. Back in the dark ages I had the privilege to play for coaches in high school and college who won and refused to have any communication with parents. These coaches were somehow able to win state and conference championships without any parent input or involvement. I have daughters who currently play for AAU basketball teams and club soccer teams with coaches who advise parents at the outset of the season that this is a "DADDYBALL free zone" and if you contact me about playing time your daughter will not play - if you do not like that go somewhere else. These coaches are true to their word. Therefore, I was shocked to hear BOE president Richard Mattesich in his remarks state, "A coach needs to communicate with parents." Has the world changed so much that this statement is true? Let the coach coach. Why do parents have to get involved? Will parents ambush a potential employer if their daughter doesn't get a job or stage a sit in if their child doesn't get admitted to their first choice college? I realize that I may be a dinosaur. That being said, at some point, DADDYBALL - which begins with daddy and mommy coaching, favoring and/or protecting the playing time of their "superstar" kid in youth sports- must end and reality will set in. That reality used to be high school. We live in a society where perception becomes reality. By not explaining the timing of the Coach Marino firing and/or the reason(s) why he is apparently unfit to coach girls basketball while he is still somehow capable of coaching football and teaching children in the district, the Westfield BOE is sending the clear message that DADDYBALL is alive and well and will continue to flourish in their high school sports.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Rosanne M. = MOMMYBALL

    ReplyDelete
  51. The witch-hunt is over! All that remains is the disgrace and shame the BOE brought to themselves and the community. Such a shame!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. What is so ironic is that the woman named above was not consistent in her treatment of girls on her teams. There were favorites and then those who were not. If you weren't one of her "in crowd" the kid could be subject to ridicule and name-calling. And her behavior during games was embarrassing and uncomfortable to watch. The way she worked the refs would make Bobby Hurley look tame.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hopefully the scrutiny of this series of events does not die down. Until the truth comes out, the district leadership is tainted by suspicion and lack of integrity. Unfortunately, without outside neutral-party review, the speculation of wrongdoing is supported by lack of transparency.

    ReplyDelete
  54. BOE behaving badly=Parents behaving badly=Kids behaving badly=DISGRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. This year will tell a lot about the BOE-district to replace Marino. Last year was an underperformance relative to talent level, but maybe that was first year coaching jitters. Hopefully a great year coming for WHS girls hoops. We'll see if the ongoing process of replacing older coaches with younger WHS grads as coaches is going to work to the benefit of the student-athletes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Politics & Board Pres. Mattesich had a lot to do with replacing Marino. My opinion, of course.

      Delete