Feb 14, 2018 3 min read

MONESSEN – Monessen School District’s superintendent told the school board Tuesday she believes the penalty the district received from the WPIAL after a basketball game brawl involving players and fans last week at Clairton was too severe, and she plans to appeal to the state athletic board.

Superintendent Dr. Leanne Spazak spoke about the district’s position on the WPIAL sanctions handed down Monday, saying officials expected to receive some punishment after the Feb. 6 fight at Clairton’s gym, but she does not believe the severity of the penalties coincides with Monessen’s level of involvement.

The sanctions include placing the entire Monessen sports program on probation for five years, as well as limiting the number of adult presale tickets for two upcoming basketball playoff games. The probation period means if any type of incident were to occur at any team’s games, the team would face a two-year loss of scheduling and a loss of playoff eligibility. The WPIAL also ruled all players who left the bench during the Monessen-Clairton brawl face a one-game suspension.

The game, which was stopped in the fourth quarter, was ruled a no-contest.

“We had already put forth discipline to all of the parties that we thought were involved on our side,” Spazak said.

She said district officials believe punishing all of the sports teams, the parents and the community for a situation that was out of their control is unjust. She said the district plans to appeal to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

“We are proud of the transformation our sports programs have seen in the last four years through stricter policies on students and spectators, and it is our intention to defend those efforts,” Spazak said.

Spazak could not be reached Wednesday for further details. PIAA Executive Director Bob Lombardi did not immediately return a call seeking information on the appeal process.

Athletic director Gina Naccarato said the district will be given just 30 adult presale tickets for each of the upcoming playoff games, along with 10 complimentary tickets. Naccarato said the district has decided to purchase all 30 of the tickets.

She said the tickets will be divided among the 12 basketball players and 14 cheerleaders, with each receiving one ticket. She said the remaining four tickets will be given to the four senior basketball players. She also said the school board has agreed to give its 10 complimentary tickets to Coach Joe Salvino to give to his assistants.

In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Major Corley as the varsity girls basketball coach, effective at the end of the season. Board Vice President Roberta Bergstedt thanked Corley for his tremendous service to the district over the years. Corley served as head coach for 23 years before resigning. He returned for the 2016-17 season.

Bergstedt also said the district is considering implementing a dress code that would involve uniforms for students. She said the Policies and Procedures Committee is gathering information and has prepared a survey that will be sent out with the superintendent’s newsletter in March. She said the idea has been discussed with officials in districts that have implemented uniforms and have seen a positive impact.

She said by requiring uniforms, the district would be trying to “level the playing field” for students. She said if all students are wearing the same outfit, it could help to eliminate problems with bullying and other dress code issues, and help boost confidence.

“When a student is dressed better, they perform better,” Bergstedt said.