Championship high school coach Eric Kasperowicz and his entire staff are out at Pine-Richland.
Kasperowicz and his coaching staff received emails on Wednesday evening informing them of the school administration’s decision to not renew their contracts.
Kasperowicz turned the Rams into a force in the WPIAL and state, winning four WPIAL titles and two PIAA Championships.
Kasperowicz, a teacher at North Hills High School, is one of the most successful coaches in the WPIAL with the Post-Gazette’s Mike White pointing out he has a record of 85-18, that’s a .825 winning percentage.
White reports that while it’s unknown why Kasperowicz and his staff were let go, administration officials say they were informed of possible hazing incidents in recent seasons.
On Thursday morning Kasperowicz responded through his attorney with a statement.
In the statement, Kasperowicz says he is “disappointed” by the decision and that no hazing took place and if he was told of any incidents he took care of them immediately.
The move comes as a shock to those who follow high school sports in the area as well as parents and students.
Cole Spencer, who led the Rams to a state championship this past season told White administrators were asking him about hazing incidents that happened as long as seven years ago.
While the exact reason for the firing is unknown, Fan Morning Show host Colin Dunlap says he spoke with several parents of Pine Richland football players who called the move a “witch hunt.”
“After speaking with multiple parents who have sons who currently play football for Pine-Richland, I can safely say this: The overwhelming feeling is Eric Kasperowicz got railroaded by a drunk-with-power Superintendent named Brian Miller,” said Dunlap.
Dunlap also says the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education and Curriculum at Pine-Richland also “spearheaded the removal of Kasperowicz.”
Players and parents say they continue to support Kasperowicz.
The district released the following statement on the matter Thursday morning:
"The Pine-Richland School District does not comment on personnel matters. The Pine-Richland Athletic Department will be advertising for the position of varsity head football coach. The team has earned on-the- field success. The athletic department recognizes the time, energy, and expertise invested by the entire coaching staff."