A group of parents attended the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors meeting Thursday night and demanded consideration of a new varsity softball coach.
Despite leading the girls softball team at Lincoln as the head coach since 2006 and bringing home numerous titles during that time, Gary Rozanski was under strict scrutiny.
Softball parent Doug Balin, said his daughter has come home from practice in tears. He believes that with better guidance, the girls would love the sport more and have a better chance at getting scholarships.
Jeff Barnett said his daughter Kali is a starter for every game and despite her toughness and resilience has been known to come home from practice and games “sobbing” after what he referred to as a “berating” by Rozanski.
“He is not a child friendly coach,” Barnett said.
One softball team member Grace Balin came forward and said she felt like she was a nuisance to Rozanski.
“I was made to feel like if I quit, I’d be doing my coach and teammates a favor,” she said.
Many of the parents in attendance asked that the position be opened up to anyone, but a few spoke out in favor of Bill Garroway, who has been coaching the junior high softball team since 2013. He is also the assistant coach of the varsity team.
“We as adults need to lead by example,” said Jason Schwarz, softball parent. “Bill Garroway leads by example.”
Tyson Hicks, softball parent, echoed his sentiments, “Bill Garroway’s knowledge of the game is at an elite level.”
Hicks has two daughters aged 14 and 11 in the softball program.
Garroway, agrees with the parents request to seek new leadership for the varsity program. He said he has seen four to five players stepping away from the softball program each year.
“Varsity players should not be losing their love for the game,” he said. “I am speaking up for what is right.”
Not all visitors in attendance agreed. Robyn Nicklas, assistant coach, spoke on behalf of Rozanski. She said she doesn’t see a need for a change in leadership. She believes the program is successful.
“We are not supposed to be the kids’ friends, we are their coaches,” she said.
Board President Jennifer Tomon said discussions regarding personnel are conducted during executive session.
No motions were made regarding the coaching position Thursday night.
Video below from the Ellwood City School Board YouTube.com channel:
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