Let's just hope they don't allow a player's dad to sign on and "lead" this team....

I second that^

There are some great coaches at the lower levels that don't have kids playing at the high school or middle school level yet. Take a look at the men who lead and have experience - who can build a small number of young men into winners and not only play their kids in key positions, but allow others to build their talents!! GO FALCONS

I third that

Agreed. But there are also examples of parents who coached either for SYA or/and the HS/MS programs with integrity and fairness. Let's not throw all of them under the bus. Coach Toman from Solehi is a Salisbury parent as well.

Exactly, didn't mean to throw anyone under the bus - just that we don't want the one at the varsity/jv level to be allowed to continue on in any coaching position as long as he is a parent at the school. He is part of the Sawicki problem, so all I would like to see is a careful consideration of qualified and excellent leadership to pick up these boys, dust em off, and get them back on the field next season!

We thank him for his efforts and is he willing to accept responsibility for his actions? How can an Athletic Director (sorry ACTIVITIES) director praise him when he obviously would have stayed if the parents who spoke out were dead wrong. How about a public apology to the student athletes he let down? Maybe the athletic director needs to be reviewed as well.

I am a former varsity player for this team and what is going on is disgusting. I have experienced a lot here at Salisbury playing football and if any of you would have the time to check the history of this program, Sawicki is in the running for one of the best coaches considering he led the program to two district berths and and eastern conference championship. He also went on to shut out Wilson who was coming off a state championship and a 21 game win streak. Just because your kids are not playing does not mean you need a new coach. Yeah you need good coaching in high school, but you can even get some wins just threw good athletes which this program lacks. All the players are coached up by their parents that they are the best and their only doing bad cause the coaching. Everyone makes Sawicki sound like a criminal and he's not at all, he's a great guy. The kids need to have a mentality to go out there and play tough and as hard as they can, you can't teach that. Iv'e gone to some of the games this past year and the team plays lazy and soft. The line plays extremely soft. Also no one plays as a team, they are all for themselves.

1. He's never been called a criminal. We are not Penn State.
2. Without the alleged verbal abuses, the 5-36 record is enough for the AD to go in a different direction.
3. She does not have the choice but to be professional when commenting about his resignation.
4. He should not have been forced to resign. Coaches should be held to higher standards and let go if unsuccessful. The Administration failed and created this nonsense.

I feel as there was nothing wrong with Sawicki. all you parents think that your kids are just amazing at football and they cant get better and win Because you don't have have an amazing head coach. You might be out of your mind because that not even close to the problem is the coaches its the kids. and the one comment above tries saying that an SYA coach should step up? Its a whole different game and no parent would understand that. Most of it is the kids no the coaches. Grow up and as much as you don't want to believe it and listen to your kids that tell you stupid things that most likely are not true but since they are your little baby kids it makes it ok. but one day you will realize its not the coaches. Waiting for that day.

I think that its horrible to blame just one person for the poor record of Salisbury football. There are many other sports in Salisbury that do not have great records...It's not ALL the coaches fault. It takes "talented athletes" to win games. Everyone will just have to wait out till next season and see what the real problem was/is.

Chris, first of all, learn how to spell and punctuate correctly. SYA just so happens to have coaches who have coached at the high school and college level, so perhaps doing your homework before you start the mudslinging may be of benefit to you. I am far from the kind of parent who baby's their kids. I have been on the sidelines for years, and know the game very well, as well as coaching for results. It is not a different game, Chris. It is football, and our feeder programs are vital to a successful high school program. Most parents do understand that. Sounds like you are a high school coach that works with Sawicki.

Oh, and by the way, my son can never play football again because of injuries sustained during a PRACTICE where there was no correction or supervision of incorrect technique. This level of play is to continue to teach the players proper and effective technique while minimizing injury if at all possible. They showed complete disregard for the safety and well being of my student athlete, and he doesn't only play football - he plays basketball and baseball - neither of which he will be able to play for at least another year. How about minimizing the liability here and making sure the kids are taught proper technique, if they continue to do it wrong bench them.

SalisburyFan1: "There are many other sports in Salisbury that do not have great records..."
Got that right! Wanna start another conversation?

Chris makes very good points. These parents think their kids are the best thing since microvavable Campbell's soup. The coaching may not have been the best, but there isn't enough talent to place the blame on one coach. Maybe, your kids aren't so good at football.

@ Salisbury Falcon would love to @ Mark Rizzo you have a great point! Maybe putting money towards Camps or something to help improve ALL sports instead of laptops would have been more useful.

I also have a friend who could not play anymore due to an injury at football. You act like its Sawick's fault that your son got hurt. I know for a fact that Sawicki would not wish the action of someone getting hurt among any player. He has them working 3 days a week year round to make sure they are tough enough. He has all the latest equipment there and teaches the technique of how to tackle, what other technique must you know to play football? its all on your own, you just learn the play and run them, not much to it. How is it someones fault if they hurt someone else? you play football with the risk of getting hurt. Good day to you

Maybe if you would read the warning labels on the pads and helmets you would see that there is still a risk of injury, just cause you have pads on and learn techniques does not mean your kid will not get hurt.

You need talent on your team but you need to be a teacher of the game, not just an X and O coach. I'm all about camps for kids but also "professional development" for coaches. You need to evolve with your sport. What about our field hockey and girls basketball programs?

Dear Readers a fact about salisbury jv/v football coaches, that may help you to understand this and how it is possible for such verbal mental emotional abuse to take place against the boys on the football team and way other coaches have not come forward or helped the boys! Rob Sawicki Head Coach&SMS teacher--M.Sawicki Coach&Brother of Rob Sawicki--Tyler Azzalina Coach&fellow teacher with M.Sawicki--JD Williams Coach&fellow teacher with M.Sawick&Tyler Azzalina--Matt Korp Coach&family friend of Sawicki's--George Clay Coach&son plays football for SHS&uncle of Eugene Clay--Eugene Clay coach&nephew of George Clay--Jim Perkins Coach&George Clay lifelong friend--Eric Miller Coach&family friend of Clays and finally M.Sawicki,T.Azzalina,JD Williams&George Clay all work for the Allentown School District so with such a close knit team of just coaches is it any wonder why so many things have not been examined closer and none of these Coaches have the COURAGE to step FWD on thier own and admit to the abuse of these courageous honorably and loyale young football men that play for OUR SALISBURY!!!!!! thank you

Exactly, and im sorry but football is the hardest sport to get better at. You need size and a lot of talent at 22 position plus special teams. This sport is unlike any other sport and this school does not have the talent to fill the spots. The kids are undersized and untalented for the most part.

I couldn't agree with you more! field hockey has wins but not many and same goes for girls basketball. Maybe we should look into those teams too. ALWAYS room for improvement

really than go start up ur own group for your problems with basketball and field hockey

siz has nothing to do with playing football there are great small players and great big players its whose teaching them the plays

Wow looking at this makes me happy I'm going to college. On to bigger and better things. Salisbury football < any other program besides like Allen or dieruff

john why dont u be braqve and say who ur are and then come to our meetings and and to the field and tell the boys to thier faces we are making all this up why would we do thaty for are kids future what is the gain in that

To help out with all the OPINIONS, here are a few FACTS
Varsity Record 5 - 36
JV Record 1 - 32
Program Record 6 - 68
4 years - 4 offensive coordinators
3 completed years - 8 assistant coaches left
Coaches don't respect players
Players don't respect coaches
Did not attend end of year banquet and did not inform his team until 2 days before
Team was successful in lifting tournament - he stopped from competing
Team was successful in 7 on 7 tournament - he stopped from competing

Those are all FACTS and not a way to build the tradition he always talked about

Back off idiots. Oh Sawicki is a great coach my butt. 5-36 tells a story. Are
you on the team? No. You watched a couple games and made an incorrect accusation of playing soft and you are insulting confidentially online? Sounds like you are the soft one. A coach who lies to a player and tells him that his seniors don't
want him on the team is ridiculous and then for a parent coach to tell his son
to grab another player by the facemask! Also to make threats to the players by
saying they are going to get lawyers and calling their players f ***ing pu**ies
to another coach while in earshot. Blaming players for getting double teamed
instead of looking at his own defensive scheme. Taking plays from the team you
are playing's playbook that shows something. Not to mention 2 players needed
surgery after the season never getting a check up call. One player who has suffered an injury due to the coaches not caring for him and will never be able to play
again. Another carted off on a stretcher in an ambulance. I guess he is a really
passionate coach who cares about the kids... When opposing teams' players, coaches, and referees come up to you and say I don't know how you are dealing with your coaches or you need to get out of this school district it tells you something is wrong but then again they must not know the game as well as you guys do. You are going to say this is a lie, blah blah blah.

My son plays for Coach Sawicki and I never heard any of this from him, he loved Coach Sawicki and Coach Perkins and I know from when he coached at Palisades(Perkins), that both parents and kids loved playing for him. It is a shame we were not very good this year, but I feel talent had alot to do with it, we have about 10-12 football players on this team who can actually play and care enough about the team and game to go do it. There is no one cut from this team due to our numbers, anyone who signs up plays. I do not believe this is the case in most HS football programs. I agree that maybe Coach Sawicki needed to surround himself with some better people, but that is a coaching decision and should have not been made by anyone except the coach and the administration. My son will continue to play football because he loves the game, he will also continue to work hard in the off-season as he did last year. I wonder how many other parents of players can make that comment, my son runs, lifts, and conditions so that he will be a better player, and it shows. Thanks to Andy, Dakota, and the rest of the players who helped make my son a better player. And also thanks to Coach Sawicki and Coach Perkins for teaching and instilling a work ethic in him. I have never once heard him utter a bad word about either of those coaches.

Football is a dumb sport. Takes up too much in resources and gets way too much attention. How about this radical idea. Drop the the sport and put the money behind soccer, tennis, women's sports programs. Start a rugby club and enhance other men's programs.

i do care about the entire salisbury community but we are here for this reason the football team and what happened to the kids not adults these are 13 14 15 16 17 18 year olds that weather they see hear say negative things off the field we are here for the adults that those coaches that were suppose to help guide these boys there is nothing wrong with yellin at a wrong play or a player not giving enuf but the constint mistreatment and emotional heartbreaking stories that these boys finally were brave enuf to take a stand and let us know what was happening im one person that will be at peace for this happy ending for our falcon football boys and parents and the future of salisbury football

As previously stated, high school as well as other athletic teams rely on the skill levels of those players who participate. It is not the coach who ultimately decides the fate in reference to wins/losses. Blaming Coach Sawicki is a poor excuse for the lack of skill put forth by the Salisbury football players whether it is because of dislike for the game, or for the coach. I'm not saying all of this team shows no skill or effort, many have and I am aware of that. Because of those who do not display, or simply do not have such skill, the Falcons have had multiple "losing streaks". There is not one person who should be blamed, certainly not the coach, but many people. The team needs to push and be pushed to their limits without reaching their breaking point. The coach is not fully responsible, but partly responsible for this. The students and parents play a large role in this.

I think some people here have unrealistically high expectations. I understand you wouldn't tell the players that they cannot win 10 games but some people here act like this years team was a district qualifier that they ran into 1-9. I would never sit here and blame kids for losses but its a group effort. There were times when Salisbury was completely out matched whether it was speed or size. Some of the winnable games, like Catty, they fumbled the ball away in bad spots. I'm not saying the coaches didn't make mistakes but it goes both ways.

I think some people have to realize that this isn't a marquee job in the eyes of Lehigh Valley Coaches. I have the pleasure to know many coaches in the area from both playing and coaching over the years and I'll tell you that they have less than flattering things to say about Salisbury. Now some people will say that they have qualified SYA coaches that have coached HS in the past. You cannot be a successful HS level coach if you haven't coached or probably even coordinated at the HS level in the past. Middle School is not even close. My guess is many of these coaches either chose to coach their own kids (which some have an issue with) or they didn't want to put in the entire year effort. The offseason at the high school level is a challenge in terms of time for many.

and what do we say when our community is so small being 2A and compared to the other schools with that same size we still half almost half the amount of players to fill we know we dont have alot of kids but we also know we have kids that are good and train hard enuf to play in games and not just stand to watch or he forfeits the games the last four years several times for jv for health and that had nothing to do with it we had more than enuf players to fill but due to his dislikes of so many boys we lose mayb size mateers for your postition and of course u need strength but that does not mean u cant play and play good and play to win when u have a heatless coach not using certain kids and abusing the kids its amazing how some of the football players parents had no problem i ve been doing this football thing many years and im more of an outsider on football but have been around alot of these kids on this team and gave rides to the kids homes and they are different ages different grades different personalities and some not even in the same friend group but they all have the same things to say about the team and the coaches negativity im done i apologize for spelling errors and if i got a name wrong for a school and if anyone feels im wrong but i know for myself what i saw heard and learned from many players these few years thanks

From 2008:
But having been an assistant since his sophomore year of college for Ed Christian, Salisbury athletic director Monica Deeb has no doubts that Sawicki will be able to balance it all.
"He's a great diplomat of Salisbury," she said. "He really loves the kids. He loves the program. He works well with the administration. We've always gotten along well. He's always conducted himself in a professional manner and is well-liked by other coaches, and not just in football.
"I don't have any concerns about his personality or coaching. He's outgoing, friendly and knowledgeable. When you're in his company, you're relaxed. He's just so excited about being here and working with our kids."

-- I guess it did not work out ........

It's a shame the mentality of all the salisbury football players. They think they are the best thing to ever happen and they are not. You came blame some coaching, but for the most part it is the players fault. How can you go to districts 2 years and then like this. 1 simple answer...the players suck. Not even the best player on the team was that good. He only put up numbers against the teams with a record in the bottom half of the division. Sawicki does not have much to work with

oh but your allowed to single out the coaches?

ok i do not know football but i do know about school politics and its in every school everywhere. DO NOT disrespect kids or a coach...GROW UP! I have felt the raft of politics too, and might again this yr... but guess what its not all about ME or YOU. Use your brain, find out whats really going on in the township before you strike out. You want positive results then act accordingly. Approach this like a GROWN UP, keep kids out of it, NOT MATURE!!! If you keep records do your homework and can prove your point then speak, otherwise you make yourself look stupid. If you feel this strong about this come correct with a concrete solid complaint. But again it is not about how big your mouth is its about how much you know and can prove, remember that. AND STOP BEING DISRESPECTFUL that gets you no where!!!!

So when exactly do we let this go. The parents made their point, the coach stepped down and acknowledged no fault. So now we are going to bash the players. Really !!!!! and this is why we live in such a messed up world!!!!!!!

I officially declare this forum closed. ;)

Do you people realize that when talking about a coach whos son plays on the team, that you are also talking about the kid who is on the team? Totally Classless!! The kid helped my boy all year and he has to read this crap??? Keep your comments to yourself if you do not realize the possible ramifications. We are dealing with kids here.

I guess my comment was not understood I am talking about how immature that parents are acting....leave the kids and the coach alone talk with your brain not your big mouth

salisbury parent 2011..your the little immature parent hiding behind the computer

Salisbury football has two good seasons in the history of the school, and they didn't even make districts that in one of those years. There have been lots of coaches and they all moved on. Apparently, the feeder program that everyone is touting isn't doing the job.

Now that the boosters got what they wanted, who is going to come in and take over this mess? No talent, a poor feeder program and obnoxious parents aren't going to attract a good coach. Knute Rockne and Vince Lombardi couldn't win with this bunch.

Carol have you read about or watched the middle school or SYA lately? Apparently not. You may want to change your comment about the feeder programs.

Yes, I have.
SYA moved to a less competitive league this year.
MS did win this year, with Sawicki's coaches and system. MS success doesn't necessiarily translate to varsity success because a number of schools have their best 8th graders play for the Freshman team.

SYA has NOT moved to a less competitive league. SYA is now part of the CYFL, made of the teams that the high school currently plays. If you want to challenge the level of play the SYA program currently endures, I invite you to go to one of their meetings and state as such. To make this claim from your chair is uninformed, uneducated and yellow to say the least. In fact, the league has been so successful I understand 1 team is joining next year, a long with a few others interested.

Carol, you have no idea what you are talking about. The middle school program is coached by Weber, not Sawicki. The SYA program is coached by those who both know the game of football and those who are being leaders to the children. SYA has always wanted to provide and build a program. It is those with close minds that keep the kids away.

Omg!

I apologize for how Imbarrassing our township is behaving I want to thank any individual who assists a child's life be on the field our court. Some of might not agree with everything that goes on but can handle it like an adult. Did anyone who is so quick to complain even try to approach this in a more appropriate manner? I am willing to bet things could have been different !

Meant to say on the court

I will refrain from your personal attacks, because they are the weapon of choice for the intellectually lacking.

I do know what I am talking about. At Salisbury, the varsity coach selects his assistants, the jv coach, and the middle school coach. That is meant to encourage program continuity. Therefore, Mr. Weber was selected by Mr. Sawicki and is part of his staff.

I have been involved with SYA and I applaud their efforts for our youth. However, the fact remains that they choose field teams in leagues where they will be competitive, not the top levels. With the exception of baseball and boy's basketball (and recently, girls basketball), SYA has not competed at the top levels. That is the philosophy that they have chosen, and that is fine. However, when you choose that philosophy, you must recognize that it doesn't add up to success at the high school level.

Fifty years of Salisbury football futility are proof of that.

Amen for SYA and MS Girls Basketball. But look at the HS program now .... Going nowhere. And it's not the kids.

FYI - Salisbury had a scrimmage with Mountainville twice this year. While not in the CYFL league, the coaches respect each other's program. For the record, SYA won both (if score was counted).

For the record, the CYFL again is made of the same programs that make up the same league the high school is in.

The difference between the high school booster club and everyone making comments on this site - the booster club respectfully voiced their opinions and concerns in a very well educated manner.

As this discussion progresses and becomes heated, we're straying from the topic at hand. Let's try to remember that we all (for the most part) are a part of the same community; some respect is required. I see a bunch of concerned parents (rightly so) and former players (myself being one of them) who are using anonymous usernames as an excuse to attack each other. This is exactly what's happening within the program right now. Dissatisfied CURRENT players and parents vs. some mediocre-at-best coaches (come on guys, the 5-36 record kinda speaks for itself, doesn't it?). I think it's about time to start fresh again, new coaches and a new attitude. The former coach was not franchise material. Let's have some pride in what we're all associated with here, not gloat or complain.

Well said...thank you.

Resident - agree x2 my son played SYA football and came out undefeated 2001 and seems that all SYA programs are doing well...again this is our community and a small one at that look at all the ignorance ....truly pathetic

all you moms need to stop crying about your little baby kids, they play high school now, their changing into grown men! maybe thats why they play like babies on the field....their parents baby them way too much!

After reading the 104 comments on this thread, I am convinced that my IQ has dropped at least 35 points since I began reading it 15 minutes ago. I am thoroughly disgusted and cannot believe that this bastion of journalistic integrity is allowed to continue without thoroughly investigating all of the facts relevant to this issue. Kersploosh

it amazes me how stupid you all are.... especially the people who are saying "people are hiding behind their computers" everyone on this is "hiding behind their computers" I hope you all realize your comments mean absolutely nothing.. everyone has their own opinions.... your all just wasting time and arguing over something you cant control