Sports
Anti-Coach Flyover Focuses Twitter On School Sports
The controversy shows what can happen when adults lose perspective, said the school district's superintendent.
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, — A stunt plane flew a banner over Briarcliff Monday, during the high schools's Section 1 baseball quarterfinal playoff game against Irvington, with a controversial message: "Fire coaches Schrader & Kowalczyk."
That's Briarcliff High School head coach John Schrader and assistant Walter Kowalczyk, The Journal News clarified.
The banner and its message attracted immediate attention on Twitter. There were some considered judgments:
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Someone's got a lot of time and money to burn...Distracted at this playoff game by this taking laps over the field... Plane says "Fire Coaches Schrader & Kowalczyk" @lohudinsider @KDJmedia1 @vzmercogliano pic.twitter.com/YsTNIpWWeh
— Eugene Rapay (@erapay5) May 21, 2018
The new standard for unthinkable parental behavior in Section 1. That money would’ve bought a few hours with a psychiatrist. https://t.co/nDNQrRdEUD
— Mike Dougherty (@hoopsmbd) May 22, 2018
The superintendent of the Briarcliff school district, James Kaishian, had a superb non-reaction:
Unidentified Objects Flying Above Briarcliff! Most determined to be home runs as Varsity Baseball Team launches multiple dingers in 13-0 rout over visiting Bulldogs to open Section I playoffs. #thanksforthewellwishes @bhsbulletin @Bcliff_6th_man @lohud pic.twitter.com/u0bHVThUvg
— Dr. Kaishian (@SuperKaish) May" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/SuperKaish... 21, 2018
There was also a plea from a recent BHS grad:
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@SuperKaish I strongly encourage you to figure out who was behind this. Schrades and Walt coach because they want what is best for these kids. With a 36-6 record over the last two seasons this is absolutely absurd. https://t.co/CeksLtbICu
— jake brown (@jakebrown033) May 21, 2018
And Dr. Kaishian also responded seriously.
In a statement:
Yesterday’s fly-over served to highlight what can happen when adults lose perspective on high school sports. In an attempt to promote self-interest, some adults become willing conspirators in the theft of joy from youth athletic programs.
In time, I am sure it will be known who was responsible. Until then, our focus remains on raising confident, capable and joyful young men and women - our athletic program is merely an extension of this larger educational mission.
Rather than saddened by yesterday’s events, I was encouraged by yesterday’s result. The Varsity Baseball Program responded to a challenge that surely would have broken a lesser organization. In their 13-0 victory, our student athletes displayed superior talent and preparation. As importantly, the entire team – coaches and players - demonstrated great character and determination. How’s that for a life lesson?
And in a tweet:
I found that the parents with whom I spoke were dismayed. More importantly, I saw coaches who handled adversity with dignity and resolve and I saw a team that responded with energy and enthusiasm. Briarcliff 1 - Haters 0.
— Dr. Kaishian (@SuperKaish) May 22, 2018
PHOTO/ Briarcliff school district
Read The Journal News' report on lohud.com.
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