School board hires new high school football coach
CONNELLSVILLE – The reins of the Connellsville High School football program will be turned over to a former area coach. On a 5-4 vote Wednesday, the Connellsville Area School Board hired Andrew Robertson to replace Dan Spanish as the head coach of the Falcon team.
Robertson, now of Roswell, N.M, formerly held the head football coaching position at Hopewell High School in Aliquippa.
Board President Kevin Lape said Robertson had the qualifications and experience to lead the high school program.
“I was very impressed with him during his interview,” said Lape. “He helped turn around the Hopewell program, and he has coached a junior college team. He has a lot of football knowledge.
“This was a very difficult decision, but I feel it was time for a change.”
Lape, along with board members Charles Wilson, Ann Watson, Chip Nicholson and David Goldblum, supported the action, while directors Jeffrey Harvey, Francis Mongell, Karen Blocker and Loretta Lint cast dissenting votes.
“I think (Spanish) was given an unfair shake,” said Harvey. “This was the wrong decision and a sad day for Connellsville.”
Teachers, friends, and members of the football team that had gathered at the meeting applauded Harvey’s remarks.
Harvey added that he also was not in favor of the three-year contract awarded Robertson in addition to the full annual salary of $7,141.
“We’re giving this guy (Robertson) a three-year contract, and we don’t even know him,” said Harvey.
Lape, however, said Spanish was given a multi-year contact when he first was hired as head of the football program in 1974.
“He’s coming from New Mexico,” said Lape. “You have to give him some guarantee.”
The board did not hire Robertson, who is a retired teacher, as a member of the district staff.
The board gave no indication as to how soon Robertson would take over the program; however, he must sign a contract within one month of its issuance.
Spanish said he was “very grateful” to those who had supported him since the board in January opted to open his contract and seek other candidates.
“I’m very thankful to the four board members for their support and to all the parents, fans and players who stood behind me,” he said after the board meeting.
Spanish said he will continue with his ongoing weightlifting program for the players until May.
“I told the boys whatever happened that I would stay and work with them until then,” he said.
The board also conducted the following business:
Approved the 2003 college student summer employment program for an eight-week period. The board will name the participating students at the May meeting.
Awarded a contract to Liberoni Landscaping of Monroeville to renovate Falcon Stadium field and surrounding areas, at a cost of $20,000.
Added Briana Strickler to the professional substitute list.
Hired Louanne Helms as a four-hour cafeteria employee and added Laura Imbrogno, Ruth Smiley, Kerina Pritts, Kelly Kirsch, Joni Reagan, Bridget Wettgen and Elizabeth Kerns to the cafeteria substitute list.