Stefko Could Return to Coach Lady Colts

Spencer Stefko’s coaching contract was not renewed because he apparently put forward a “flippant and sarcastic” plan on how to rebuild the girls basketball developmental program, a source close to the situation said.

His presentation in April on how to implement such a plan to Superintendent Brian White Jr., Assistant Superintendent Scott Seltzer and Athletic Director Frank Vulcano upset the administrators so greatly that they recommended his contract not be renewed, the source said.

However, the source added that Stefko appears contrite and has “done all the right things” since the school board voted unanimously at its May 10 workshop meeting . The source also said Stefko can apply for the position again and that it is not out of the question he could be rehired to coach the girls’ varsity team.

The source asked to remain anonymous in order to speak candidly on the subject.

The school district’s decision was somewhat puzzling because it came on heels of another successful basketball season. Moreover, Stefko had just received a mostly positive annual evaluation from Vulcano with the caveat that he needed to improve the district’s feeder system.

But the lack of a serious plan on how to integrate the middle school and ninth-grade programs apparently upset the administration.

"They were more interested in moving forward and they didn’t (offer) anything specific," Stefko said of the administrators. "They left it as general tone as the main and only reason for dismissal."

The decision has since sparked opinions on both sides, although Stefko said he has received support from plenty of places. Many are expected to attend Tuesday night's board meeting at the administrative office building.

“A role model has been ripped away from my daughter. She doesn’t know what the future holds now,” said Eric Wells, whose daughter Mariah is a forward for the Lady Colts. “She’s a 16-year-old girl, and one of her best friends has been ripped away from her. Of course that’s going to have an effect of her.”

Wells is one of many parents who have been showing their support for Stefko throughout the situation. And while the parents may have been caught off guard by the news of Stefko’s removal, the players were in even more disbelief.

“I just kept thinking, this can’t be true, it can’t be happening,” senior guard Lexy Herron said. “When I saw him the next day in school, he just looked so upset and so down, and I didn’t like seeing him like that. I know how much he loved this team and how much he loved being around us, and we loved being around him just as much.”

Stefko has been moved by the amount of support he’s received.

“I guess it’s just strange because you don’t really realize how many people care about you or appreciate you until you need it,” Stefko said. “It’s an awkward thing seeing your kids at school and not being able to coach them. But it’s a good thing to feel appreciated and be a part of the community. That balances out the awkwardness.”

In addition to the vocal support, current and former players, as well as parents have created a petition on Stefko’s behalf. While many in the Chartiers Valley community are supporting Stefko, some have been doing the opposite.

An administrative source from another school district said that several “influential parents” approached three WPIAL coaches before the position opened, asking if they would have interest if the position becomes available. It is not known if the other coaches had interest in coming to Chartiers Valley.

And while Stefko still remains hopeful that he’ll be able to get his job back upon re-applying, he is taking comfort in all of the support he’s been getting from friends, family and the community.

“At the end of the day, if I have coached my last game at CV, the last thing I’ll remember is all of the support from the players and their parents. And I can live with that. I can live with that.”