Rozanski to Stay as Head Coach of Wolverine Softball

Gary Rozanski Jr. will remain the head coach of the girls varsity softball team at Lincoln High School.

During the November 14^th Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors meeting, a group of parents—many of whose children are involved in a youth program not affiliated with the district and have not been coached by Rozanski—demanded consideration of a new varsity softball coach.

It was announced at the December 5 directors meeting that Rozanski will stay on as coach.

Board President, Jennifer Tomon made the announcement.

“We don’t discuss personnel,” she said, after visitor Bill Garroway questioned the board’s decision, which was made in an executive session.

During the visitors portion at the end of the meeting, Anna Ferrucci, a freshman outfielder for IUP, and former girls softball player at Ellwood City, spoke out on behalf of Rozanski and in support of the board’s decision to retain him as head coach.

Ferrucci said Rozanski is there to be a coach and to guide his players to a win. She said he is prepping his players for the best possible chance at success during high school and in the future. According to Ferrucci, you have to earn a spot to play.

“Most parents today believe everyone deserves to play,” Ferrucci said.

Maura Agostinelli, former girls softball player at Ellwood City, said she believes in Rozanski’s methods of coaching. She said although he can be tough at times, it is only to make the players and the team better. She said you have to work for the spot you want to have.

“This is not a participation trophy sport,” Agostinelli said, “Don’t just give up and quit and then have the audacity to blame the coach.”

During the November meeting a few parents complained that Rozanski was too tough on the girls and that they were losing their love for the sport. Some said their daughters came home from games and practices in tears.