Fordoski's coaching future in doubt

by Courier-Express/Tri-County 2009

Posted on May 14, 2009

ST. MARYS - Despite coaching 14 state place winners, collecting 324 wins and seven district team titles and being named the District 9 coach of the year, Wayne Fordoski's position in the wrestling program has been opened.
"I've earned my stripes," Fordoski said Monday at a meeting of the St. Marys Area school board. "It's always been about the staff, teamwork and everyone working together. That is what I demand of the athletes and that's what I demand of the coaches. We all have to act as one."
Fordoski has been involved in SMASD's wrestling program for 34 years, four years as a junior high coach and 30 years as the varsity head coach.
This year, Fordoski announced he would coach for one more year. Later, he was one of 12 teachers who accepted a one-time incentive buyout plan for professional personnel.
When the incentive came, Fordoski said it was a tough decision, especially because he knew it was a "one shot deal."
"It's hard to retire," Fordoski said. "The incentive was a total shock to me. I've made a lot of decisions in my life, a lot of them around the coaching, the classroom and the outdoor classroom. This was a tough decision."
In a phone interview Tuesday, district Superintendent Murray Neeper said the annual coaching evaluations for winter sports were conducted in May. Those are followed by an application of renewal by the coaches each year.
"In the interim, the district had offered an early retirement incentive and when his (Fordoski's) name then appeared on the listing for renewal, the board withdrew that because it is a new situation," Neeper said. "I think we need to talk about that as precedent setting - being retired and so on (and continuing on as a coach) - so they chose to open that position."
Neeper said the ability to coach after retirement wasn't addressed in the incentive package "per se."
The only decision that has been made by the board is that it will continue to treat Fordoski's position as an open one, and will review any applicants.
"Something isn't making sense to me, and that's why I'm here," Bill Meyer, the junior high wrestling coach, said as he looked over his shoulder at Fordoski. "Our program has worked from the bottom. ... The bottom line is we're here to help kids and that's what that man does and has always."
Fordoski said when he found out his position was being posted, he was shocked.
"I have to put myself more into what you're thinking. This is a unique situation," Fordoski said. "In 34 years I've never come to the board to ask for more money, ask for a raise. ... It is a non-issue with me. The raises I was getting - the board set those. What I've done in my career is follow what the board has said. I have been here 34 years and I wish it to be 35."
Meyer asked why no one pulled Fordoski aside to tell him about the posting.
"Why now? Something doesn't seem right," Meyer said. "Isn't that what we tell our kids - we're supposed to do it right."
For the 2008-09 year, Fordoski was paid $8,238 as head wrestling coach.
"I hope this isn't a money issue," Fordoski said. "I wish someone would have approached me. I'm being very frank here. I understand that I retired and I understand I took the incentive and I understand some people probably think, 'Geez Wayne, how can you do both?' I am going to save the district money in subs. I'm going to have a lot more time to put into the program and I will. I love the program."
Each year, a five percent increase is added to Fordoski's coaching salary. Neeper said he is unsure how long that has been a stipulation.
"I'm sure the board looked at that (the financial side of the decision to repost), but what I seem to hear is that Mr. Fordoski is not motivated by the money - it's the passion for the program," Neeper said. "That (money) would be an item which would be addressed in the process I would think."
Meyer said if the decision was based on money, the board should know that coaches don't do what they do for the money, but to help the students.
Meyer added the decision will most likely cause turmoil in the athletic department because it is such a close-knit community.
Fordoski said he has no intention of being part of whoever takes his place because it is not his responsibility.
"I'm responsible for everything that goes on in that wrestling program when I'm running it," Fordoski said. "When I'm gone, I won't be running it. I'll be in the stands."
Fordoski said he understands the board has a difficult decision to make, but it should also consider his situation as not many coaches stay involved for 30-plus years.
Board President Joe Goetz explained to Fordoski the public comment portion of the meeting was not a "put and take" discussion. He also thanked him for the time he put into the wrestling program.
The matter will be discussed in a closed meeting and the board may call on Fordoski for an interview.
"It's more than the money. The records have nothing to do with it. It's a team accomplishment involving a lot of hardworking coaches and athletes," Fordoski said. "In closing, I want to coach next year, that's why I'm here."

[ return to previous page ]