The Sto-Rox school board last night did not open up the head football coaching position despite rumors that the decision was a done deal.

"That's a personnel matter, and we'll discuss it in executive session," board President Kevin Kochirka said at the end of a board meeting that was punctuated by frequent shouting matches. "We would never rush into a decision like that."

Coach Jason Ruscitto, who guided the team to the WPIAL Class AA quarterfinals this season, has been the Vikings' coach for six seasons. His record is 36-20 and includes three WPIAL playoff appearances.

But Sto-Rox Athletic Director Bill Palermo said in an e-mail to school board members that "the first thing a program needs to be successful is discipline, and our program lacked that drastically this year."

The e-mail, which was shared with reporters and members of the public by board member Ed Maritz, recommended opening the position immediately so a new coach could be hired and start working with the student-athletes.

"This has nothing to do with wins and losses, or Xs and Os about the game," Mr. Palermo told the Post-Gazette. "Mostly, it has to deal with how the kids were managed and how they behaved. Their behavior, especially this year, was quite embarrassing to the district.

"I like [Mr. Ruscitto]. I think he's a good guy. It's commendable how he cares about the kids. But as far as how their behavior was this year, that put it over the top."

Mr. Palermo added, "This is not a political thing at all." He said he recommended the job be opened and that some board members agreed.

Dr. Maritz said he believes the issue is being blown out of proportion to make way for the return of former head coach Ron Butschle. Mr. Butschle took the head coaching job at Seneca Valley after leading Sto-Rox to the WPIAL championship game in 2003. He resigned from Seneca Valley after the 2008 season due to his young son's illness. He was an assistant at Quaker Valley this season.

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