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Friday, April 16, 2021 | 7:14 PM
Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review
Pine Richland celebrates with head coach Eric Kasperowicz after coming back to beat Governor Mifflin 48-44 the PIAA Class 5A semifinal Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at Tiger Stadium in Hollidaysburg.
Pine-Richland already has at least one applicant to coach the football team next fall, and it’s someone who knows the program very well.
It’s Eric Kasperowicz.
Two days after losing his job, Kasperowicz confirmed Friday that he has reapplied. The Pine-Richland administration stirred controversy Wednesday when it declined to renew his contract for a ninth season and opened the head coaching position to applicants.
Pine-Richland students rallied outside the high school in support of Kasperowicz on Friday morning.
Kasperowicz went 85-18 in eight seasons as the team’s coach with four WPIAL championships and two state titles. The Rams won both WPIAL and PIAA titles just five months ago.
It’s unknown whether Kasperowicz’s resume will be considered.
The school district in recent weeks had investigated allegations of possible hazing or bullying associated with the team, said current and former football players who were questioned by administrators. However, the district has not confirmed the investigation and declined to explain why Kasperowicz’s contract wasn’t renewed.
Kasperowicz only coached at Pine-Richland. He works as a teacher at North Hills, his alma mater.
Pine-Richland advertized the coaching job online with a stipend of $10,092. The football coach is expected “to help each participating student achieve a high skill level; an appreciation for the values of discipline and sportsmanship; and an increased level of self-esteem.”
Chris Harlan is a Tribune-Review Staff Writer. You can contact Chris by email at charlan@triblive.com or via Twitter .
Tags: Pine-Richland
