Guest Column
Parent has full confidence in his son
Tom Janicky
Guest Column
Parent has full confidence in his son’s Pop Warner football coach despite recent arrest
I find it truly disturbing when another resident will cast judgment on a person ("Pop Warner coach should not be teaching children," Oct. 23), especially somebody who dedicates his time –– believe me, a lot of time –– to helping children by teaching them skills they’ll have for the rest of their lives.
Instead of complaining about one particular individual in a program designed to teach children the basics of football and cheerleading, why not suggest that you or your spouse donate some of your free time and do a better job?
Let me take this opportunity to relate some facts about this particular football coach who was so rudely attacked in the Oct. 23 edition.
First, I will admit that he was arrested Oct. 9 and that he’s had his share of problems, all dealing with monetary issues which led to motor vehicle warrants as well as petty disorderly person charges. I don’t condone any type of legal infractions, although it’s impossible to find or even meet a person who is perfect.
Second, this coach immediately approached the board president, informed him of the situation and was prepared for the punishment. He then approached the members of the team and sincerely told them all that he has made mistakes and that he shouldn’t be considered a role model for these reasons. He explained what he did and told the kids that if they made the same mistakes, they would eventually pay the price. He also told the kids that if they were uncomfortable with him because of this incident, they should tell their parents or the other coaches.
What happened next was the most tormenting thing to this coach: one of the children stood up and asked if he was leaving the team. The child told him the team needed him and respected his honesty and willingness to discuss his mistakes, making the team even stronger.
The coach had the team mom take a poll from each of the children’s parents to see if they wanted him to continue coaching, as he would step down if it was best for the children.
Only two parents out of 32 wanted the coach gone. The rest supported him and wanted him to continue, including me.
If this coach committed any crimes that affected children or put them in jeopardy, I would understand the sentiments expressed in the letter, but this is not the case.
I have a child on this coach’s team. He is not a starter, but he has learned the game immensely due to the work of all the coaches. He is a happy and more athletic child because of them.
Hopefully there will be more quotes from this coach in your paper, since each of his statements did nothing but give credit to the hard work of this team and the success it had.
Yes, times have changed. But thank God for some parents who still break their busy schedules to make our children better people by coaching them with dedication and sincerity.
Tom Janicky is a resident of Brick.