Friday, December 11, 2009

Trinity Opens Fall Coaching Positions


The Trinity School Board opened the positions of all fall coaches at Thursday's meeting, including that of head football coach Ed Dalton.

Dalton has been the Hillers' football coach and athletic director since the 1999-2000 school year. In football, Dalton compiled a 54-56 record and led Trinity to the WPIAL playoffs five consecutive seasons and six times overall. Trinity won two playoff games during that span.

Before Dalton arrived, Trinity played in four postseason games from 1922 through 1999.

Dalton's position as athletic director has also been opened.

Other positions opened were boys soccer, girls soccer, boys cross country, girls cross country, girls volleyball, boys golf and girls tennis.

For more details, read Saturday's Observer-Reporter.

91 comments:

voice of reason said...

I'm not looking for any backing on this but I will tell you that this man truly cares about the kids, all kids not just football players. He is involved, he knows their names. This season may not have been the most noteworthy but ask the kids, see what they would tell you. After all it is about the kids, right. For all you parents that don't really listen to your kids, maybe you should start. You might just learn from them.

THSfan said...

Trinity did not appear in four post season games from 1992-94'. The Hillers finished 1-9 in 1992. They went 4-6 in 93', and in 1994 they finished 6-4 and lost to North Allegheny 28-9 in the first round of the playoffs. In 1995 Trinity was only 3-7. From 1996-98' they only won 3 games. In the Ed Dalton era, Trinity is 2-7 in playoff games.
Prior to all of that, Trinity's only post season appearances were a scoreless tie with Crafton in 1948 and the schools first ever playoff victory in 1986 over Derry 10-7, on a cold and foggy night at W&J College Field. However the Hillers lost in the semi-finals a week later to Kiski 28-20 at Latrobe.

Anonymous said...

Believe me, there are more people who back Dalton than there are that dislike him. Just watch and see. The majority of the kids love him. You will always have those who don't and that is with any team and any head coach (usually the kids and parents who do not play). As for the school district board members, just a bunch of idiots with little education, little knowledge, and firing people left and right because they have personal agendas. These people need to be removed.

Just wait until the board meeting in January. Heads will roll because this man has done more for this district than anyone in the history of Trinity. Weither you like him or not, you can't look past what he has done for this district as a man and as an AD. You can criticize his coaching, but NO ONE IN TRINITY HISTORY has produced more college athletes, a better winning percentage, Division I athletes, weight room, participation in ALL sports, and a playoff appearance record like Ed has.

Bash him all you want, but name one person that was better....You cant.

And wait until you people hear what one of the board members did today at the high school. All I can say is that she was removed from the building and the law was called on her!

Get your resignation letter ready board members!!! One gone, and 2 or 3 more to go!!! There is a huge number assembling and they will be there January 7th!!! BRING YOUR CAMERAS!!!

Anonymous said...

Unbelievable what my kid told me today! She unfortunately had to witness what this lady did in the main office area. I demand that she publically appologize to my kid as well as the other kids that had to witness this crazy act!

My daughter was in tears when she came home and I will definately be at the board meeting demanding her resignation!!

Screaming: " I am a board member and I can do what ever I want!" As well as telling administrators: "Why don't you try and throw me out! You will be gone too!"

Absolutely unbelievable behavior!! Hope to see everyone on the 7th!!! Happy Holidays to the board members!!!

Anonymous said...

Mike:

Any verification to this altercation? If so, WOOOOWWWWW! I don't have a kid in the district anymore, but I WILL be there on the 7th to see if this is true. If so, she needs to go IMMEDIATELY!!

Who do board members think they are. I have heard rumors that they have a list of people they want to get rid of with no justification other than they have personal issues for these people. If so, the community needs to demand their resignations. I'm sorry I voted for some of these people, especially the one from my district of North Franklin!!

mike_kovak said...

Sorry THS Fan, meant 1922.

mike_kovak said...

North Franklin Police were called to Trinity High School around 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Read Saturday's O-R.

Anonymous said...

I have heard that the board wants to save money and that is why these moves have been made. If so, why is it that they are now going to pay 2 retired Supers to come in, probably at $500 per day, moving Weaver (assist super) to south at her current rate for someone on maternity leave? As well as other moves, that means more money spent, not less. Seems they are making moves out of pesonal agenda, not based on what is best for the district.

As for the cops, I hope this isn't true. What a horrible black eye for a really good district. If true, I hope they throw the book at her and remove her immediately! Didn't Trinity have a board member removed because of the same situation in which she was detained by the police and she screamed at them: Do you know who I am, Im a Trinity school board member! She ended up resigning

Anonymous said...

This one has an agenda. Sounds funny that after they made their moves Thursday nite, she comes strolling in to the school, unannounced and happened to run into Coach Dalton. Was she setting him up? Smells like a skunk to me.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I think that this is terrible. He had a bad year last year, BUT they still made the playoffs. Coach Dalton has done more for the school then anyone. Ed Dalton toke Trinity High School from the basement and laughing stock to Pre Season State #1 Rankings. He started a tradition of excellence at Trinity creating off season lifting and speed training programs. In my 3 years on the varsity team we made the playoffs every year. I was a member of the only 2 playoff wins in school history. And if it wasn't for a couple bad breaks we probably would of been playing for a WPIAL Championship my senior year. He has produced more college athletes than any other school in the area. Not only has he turned football around, but he has turned other teams in the school around too. For example with Coach Dalton as AD Trinity hired Levi Bristor to be the new Varsity Baseball Coach about 5 years ago. Trinity has made the State Playoffs the past 3 years. Coach Dalton turned around a slumping youth football program into one of the best around. He got his players National Attention and Recognition with numerous Division I athletes. Two years ago he got the Trinity vs. TJ game to be NATIONALLY TELEVISED. Tell me how many local football players can say that. The answer is none unless you were a member of the 2007 Trinity or TJ football teams. He has a relationship with almost every big time Division I football coach. The man is always there if you need him whether you are a football player or not. He might be screaming at you on Friday nights, but come Monday he is your bestfriend. His players truly do love him. Many of them still go back and visit him, they don't go to school to see old teachers they go back to see their football coach because that is how great of a guy he is. I'm glad that I am out of Trinity now because it sounds to me as this new school board is destroying the district. They know nothing about athletics and most of them were probably picked on as a child so they hold a gruge to anything good. Those members have no idea about football and just listen to all the bad things that people have to say (from parents whos kids don't play because they are not good enough)and dont listen to all the good things that this man has done not only for the school, but the community as a whole. I'm sad to see Coach Dalton go because if you have ever taken the time to talk to the him then you will know that football is his life.

THS student said...

As a current student, I saw this happen on Friday,there were only four students who saw it, but for us it was insane. The woman, who none of us knew who she was, was yelling and screaming and Coach Dalton in return was yelling to. All four of us are athletes from a different sport, 3 girls and 1 boy. And we all know and love Coach Dalton. He has done outstanding things for our athletic programs. You see his dedication not only within the Football Program but othesr as well. I always see him at other sporting events From basketball, to baseball, to volleyball and everything in between. He constantly is talking to everyone he sees in the halls and is always asking how their doing and how the teams is. He cares for the STUDENT ATHLETES as well as just the STUDENTS. He's more than a football coach, he's more then our Athletic Director, to many people he is one of their best friends. To see this man go would be a sad thing for our school district and I know that many people will be upset to see this happen.

Anonymous said...

What we need to do is have everyone show up at the board meeting and voice our thoughts. The majority of the school is in favor of Dalton and the majority of the parents as well. So get everyone you can and lets all meet on January 7th at the high school. Time to light the torches and get the pitch forks out!!!!

There's a storm blowin' up, Sylvester...a Whopper!

THSfan said...

That's OK Mike, I messed up my post also. It should have read "from 1992-1999". lol

Great posts from everyone in this thread. I like Ed Dalton and I agree with what you folks are saying. Not much else I can add really.
I feel bad for Ed and I think he's getting a bum deal.
Look's like we are returning to the "Dark Ages" for Trinity football.

THSfan said...

To the idiot woman schoolboard member. I hope you read this. But I doubt you hold the mental capacity to comprehend what it says. You are a freakin joke and an absolute disgrace to the Trinity school district. Get over yourself. Wow!...Your a hot shot schoolboard member! Your so important, maybe we should call the President and Secretary of Defense in to hold high level National Security talks with you!
This whole deal is a sham. Lets cut high paying jobs to look good in tax payers eyes, while giving ourselves pay increases and provide a few jobs for our closest pals! Give someone a little power and this is what you get!

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

how bad is a schools football program when they are upset that the school let a coach w a losing record go. haha its sad really

Anonymous said...

To Ed Dalton:

Don't like your play calling, your ranting and raving on the sidelines, or your use of time outs, but from one of the many Trinity faithful.........Thank you!

We may complain about game night but what you have done for my sons, so many other peoples kids, this district, the youth program, weight room, other sports, and all of the college recruiting, once again I say......Thank you!

You don't need nor deserve these idiots. Take what you have done for our children and do it yet again for another district. The idiots on the school board will soon realize the mistake they made. You just can't reason with idiots.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I do not see where hiring all new coaches is the priority of the new School Board. You tell me that coaching is all we have to worry about in the district? Sounds to me like these people have personal agendas to deal with.

To Ed Dalton:
I see you daily and I see you helping student athletes. Not only the football players but the basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, and all the other athletes. To most of these people your one of their favorite authority figures at the High School. No one who knows you questions your practices or doings because you help all of the athletes. Thank You for all your help and you have made a difference at our school.

Anonymous said...

To the annonymous poster at 1:34:

I can guarantee that there are absolutely NO illegal practices going on in the Trinity School District. Everything is in compliance with the WPIAL, so if you know something that we don't, please provide proof.....Oh thats right, you don't have any.

Coaches are allowed to have clinics, passing camps, and lifting outside of the season and Trinity Football follows those rules just like every other district within the WPIAL. I doubt Dalton would be able to get away with this illegal activity with all the super sluthes like yourself out there!

Anonymous said...

Who wants to let Trinity administration to have the Auditorium ready for the January 7th's board meeting. If you are a Trinity tax payer and voted for this insane person then you owe it to all the kids of the district to go and at least observe and listen carefully. Maybe we need to learn more about these power-authority driven individuals. Perhaps they don't have our best intentions.

Anonymous said...

look at all you people crying and defending this bum. HE HAD A LOSING RECORD!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

anonymous at 2:20
It doesnt matter if he had a losing record, he should'nt be penalized for it, he still made playoffs and in the bigger picture look at all the athletes he sent to play college football. Cody Endres (UCONN) Micheal Yancich (Penn State) Andrew Sweat (Ohio State) Andrew Miller (Ohio State) Brandon Weaver (Ohio University) and many more.

Anonymous said...

it does matter if you lose...you play the game to win. the amount of kids he has sent to college is nothing to what a well respected coach in the wpial has done. look around at other successful high school football programs. you people are blind

Anonymous said...

You can break the WPIAL into 3 catagories: those that are always contenders, those that contend here and there, and those in the cellar. Trinity has climbed from the cellar to the middle class under Dalton

Here are your WPIAL Well Respected teams:

Woodland Hills, Central Catholic, Gateway, McKeesport, USC, TJ, West Allegheny, Blackhawk, Alliquippa, Clairton, and maybe a few other small schools are very successful. Others are

There are 124 teams in the WPIAL. Very successful schools are only 10% of the WPIAL. So lets get rid of the other 111 head coaches since they are not in this club.

God, some of you are just idiots. Maybe you should run for the school board. You would fit right in!

As far as I am conserned, Dalton has made Trinity somewhat respectful in AAA. Read Mike Kovak's article today in the OR. It puts a great perspective on what Dalton has done with a horrible football tradition.

And for the old Bronson House faithful, the ones who castrated Dalton about the midget move, look at what they have now. about a dozen teams, great youth programs, and did you notice that kids don't transfer to Wash Hi and CM anymore?! That isn't a coincidence. Look at Wash Hi's state championship team. There were multiple players on that team that should have went to Trinity. Actually lived in Trinity District.

Bash all you want, you can NOT say Dalton hasn't been the single best influence on this District when it comes to sports. BAR NONE!

Anonymous said...

January 7th:

Wonder if the Trinity Band can play NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOOD BYE!!! for the newly elected board and their president! Pack your bags newbies! We want you out and we will reinstate Dalton as the AD.

There is absolutely NO REASON for him to lose this job. You don't like his coaching, fine, change the coaching, but his value to this community as an AD is way too important!

Anonymous said...

Annonymous at 2:40:

You said: "the amount of kids he has sent to college is nothing to what a well respected coach in the wpial has done"

Do your homework son. Dalton has sent more kids on to play at the college level than ANY WPIAL TEAM. Do NOT make comments unless you have proof. Just makes you look stupid

Anonymous said...

Are you kidding me... there are always two sides to every story and a lot of you need to remember that.  People and students will only recall what they want and it will be the bad they remember, not both sides of the story.  Take a look at the mental stability of Coach Dalton, maybe look into his past, prior to Trinity.  You may get more than you bargained for...How many students in ALL of the sports have had the same opportunities as "some" of the football players.  There are far worse situations in our district than to cry over the contract of the AD, if he wants to re-apply for the position...just do it, but let's look at the academics and the student achievements and move forward.  Remember there are always two sides to every story and don't always believe what you hear...the same story will be changed atleast 1000 times before January 7th and why is it that the only time people attend the meetings is when there is something going on...

Anonymous said...

Correct on the 2 sides my friend, but there are only 2. The board members and the other 20 or so that witnessed it. You chose your side!!! I'm going with the 20 that witnessed it and the kids who had to sit there and witness it and the parents who had thier children come home crying over what she did. None of these kids were crying because of what Dalton did!!! 2 sides, the side with 20 are all on the same page!

Anonymous said...

20 people saw what???????? What 20 people?????? The the 1 that told 2 that told 3 that told 4, etc...Funny the account is different with the administration...it is sounding more like the good ole fish stories...crying, now really are we talking about high school students or pre-schoolers...get over your hear say.  People love to stick their noses in other peoples business based on what they have heard, not what they have actually seen...there are far better things to do with life than to worry about petty situations as this...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

this amazes me that parents of football players are more concerned about a coach's  firing than their child's education.  Have any of you ever set foot in a board meeting? No wait, let me answer that.  I'm sure you know where the football field is....where do they hold board meetings? Let me give you a clue about a couple of things....first of all most of your children will not play football past high school. Second of all, if they come home crying from high school over their coach losing his position, they have way more problems than this one. There are other activities and sports in that school. As Athleic Director, how many scholarships have been secured for any other sports? Also, unless you were there, its just possible that you don't have the whole story.

Anonymous said...

Athletes don't transfer to Wash High anymore because Guy Montecalvo isnt coaching the Prexies NOT because Ed Dalton is coaching the Hillers. Montecalvo helped put more kids in college then Dalton could of dreamed of. MERRY CHRISTMAS TRINITY FOOTBALL

Anonymous said...

"Dalton has sent more kids to play at the college level then any other WPIAL team." I needed a good laugh, smoke another Harvard.

Anonymous said...

Thank You School Board!!!  All 7 of you!  Its about time Dalton gets his walking papers..  Boys, girls and parents, I thought Dalton was the "KING" in High School but then I graduated, went to college, became educated and realized what a unstable man he really is. He has the foulest mouth of any Coach I have ever played for.  Parents, ask your children about his language and enraged tactics in the locker room. When I become a parent I will never, ever leave my children in the hands of someone like this.

Anonymous said...

Whoever thinks that he can attend a school board meeting and demand removal of a member because he doesn't like their decisions, has obviously never attended one. They got rid of the football coach? Boo-hoo. He made a team go from pitiful to mediocre. He should have been gone a long time ago and by the way, he's not the only one losing their job these days.

Anonymous said...

Seriously people, how many students are enrolled at the high school and how many are athletes? What sports does the AD cover? Football is NOT the only sport at THS, nor is it the end of the world that Daltons position is open...he will have a job in the district. Have you ever noticed that many of THS's assistant coaches are much better coaches than Dalton? Alot of individuals need to get backbones and stand up for the students, not Dalton. Reading the blogs are funny, I would like to know how 20 people saw what went on, how were they all in the office and for what? To those of you that actually saw what went on tell the truth if asked or better yet don't say anything at all until the time allows. The slander and open comments in public places such as basketball games need to stop. The administration should put a stop to this or punish those speaking on a situation that should not be discussed at this time. Now is not the time to start a witch hunt...remember that to was done wrongly. Be intelligent and stay out of it, for our districts sake and the students sake. Look at the big picture...we are all wrong for even spending the time to blog about something like this...it really isn't any of our business. What should be our business is how Dalton has spoken to players, has allowed the behavior of a player go as a slap on the hand, how he has let very talented kids in many other sports go unnoticed, how he has conducted himself on and off of the field and the way he is currently conducting himself at a game to make it look like "poor me" all the time he seems to be mentally or physically impaired...really we need to let the administration, the solictor, the school board do their jobs.

Anonymous said...

OH PLEASE.. WE ARE MISSING THE BIG PICTURE. THEY FIRED ALOT OF COACHES BUT WHY... WHY DID THEY HIRE 2 SUPERS.. ONE WILL WORK 3 DAYS A WEEK AND THE OTHER 2 DAYS A WEEK.. AND A NEW SOLICTOR HOW WELL WERE THESE PEOPLE CHECKED OUT BEING THEIR NAMES WEREN'T MENTIONED BEFORE AT A BOARD MEETING .. COACH DALTONS' CONTACT IS UP IN JUNE.. BUT THEY FIRED HIM WILL HE SUE THEM FOR WHAT HE IS OWED..I HOPE HE DOES.. THEY REALLY HAD NO GROUNDS FOR HIS DISMISSAL..

Anonymous said...

So Dalton can sue because he doesn't perform his job? Where do you get your information? They are not renewing his contract, which they have every right to do. He can still continue to teach if he chooses so he's not out on the street. You also can demand a resignation all you want but these people are there for 4 years. If you're unhappy, show up at the polls. Till then, get educated. You people all need a civics lesson!

Anonymous said...

What classes does Mr. Dalton teach?

Anonymous said...

No one got fired!!!!! If you knew anything about education you would know about the two gentlemen coming to the district and no they are not both acting as superintendents...but you are more worried about coaches than education...need I say more.

Anonymous said...

If the board is truly worried about saving money why wouldn't they have the Asst. Superintendent take over Superintendent duties until permanent one is found-no extra money. As far as South Principal goes, we have teachers with principal papers-again no extra money spent. What about the newest elected board president, "no comment" when contacted by paper. He sure has enough to say at any high school function. Famous line, "do you know who I am". I can think of a few words for that but I think we are now wise to this wacko. While the consultants "check out" the school system, "check out" the definition of Sunshine Law. Maybe we will find out more things than the board bargins for. Oh by the way if your wondering, I did not vote for these individuals.

Anonymous said...

YES PEOPLE GOT FIRED ALL FALL COACHES GOT FIRED... .I AM WORRIED ABOUT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS JUST WONDERING AROUND THE HALLS

Anonymous said...

Those on here that are saying: "So what, someone lost a job, and that there are bigger things than a football coach losing their position" need to understand what people are concerned about.

The issue is bigger than Dalton, it is the entire concept of this new board. If you are not affiliated with Trinity, then you don't understand what this group of board members is doing. They have a list of about 10 people that they are trying to get rid of because they have had some sort of personal issue with them in the past. Mostly personal dealing with their children.

The problem is not Dalton being fired. The problem is he is the first in a long line of firings to come with NO JUSTIFICATION! Most of these people are under what is called Act 93 and Act 93 states that there needs to be Justification for removal and not liking someone is not justification. The lawsuits are already being filed!

They want to get rid of 3 principals the Super, Assist super, AD, Solicitor, Business Manager, Football coach, wrestling coach, basketball coach, and anyone the old board hired in the past year for no other reason than spite!

The problem is Ringgold did the same exact thing a few years back and they are an absolute disaster today. So unless you understand the ramifications that come from losing just about every top employee and replacing them with friends and family, then you need to stop throwing ignorant posts on this board.

These moves WILL drastically hurt the kids, curriculum, athletics, and every aspect of the Trinity School District. These people have made it clear that they are getting rid of everyone they do not like. And that is not only wrong...It is against the laws of Education. So if you sit back and just watch, there will be millions of dollars out of tax payers pockets due to lawsuits. If we let these uneducated board members continue to just walk into the building and break rule after rule, we will be spending millions of dollars to settle their stupid mistakes.

In their first board meeting, they have already violated the Sunshine Law which means the door has already been open for lawsuits. Bodnivich is nothing but a liability. He doesn't know the rules and rights of school boards and has been violating them since his arrival with his big shot mouth. My dealings with the public usually follow 1 rule, the bigger the loud mouth, the lower the IQ.

The Interval lady already in her first week has violated rules drastically. Supposedly walking into the school, demanding eating lunch with the administration, and then putting her hands on and having the police called on her. Didn't she also get in trouble for stealing tile at Trinity West a few years back when the Mold issue was going on? Do you not see a problem here? Mike, can you confirm this for us?

Trinity is currently listed as the #2 school district in Washington Co. behind Peters Twp. in PSSA scores. So the people who are livid on this board are upset because they are closely related to the district and know what is to come. Those who sit back and say so what, don't complain a year from now when all of these people are gone and we are spending every cent in the courtroom because of uneducated mistakes! Not only are we going to lose these people, but others are leaving as well because they refuse to work with a board like this. It will be a huge change and it is going to ultimately effect 1 aspect......THE KIDS

mike_kovak said...

I start vacaction this week so any developing news will be handled by others. I will monitor the blog on occasion throughout the week and, again, if anything big breaks, someone else in the sports department will keep The Varsity Letters readers posted.

As for the incident at school, our news department worked on that during the day before I got to the office. North Franklin police did not release the name of the board member involved.

As I've stated in previous columns, I'm not a big fan of school boards when they come in and make these kind of moves. It is my opinion that opening Dalton's positions is a mistake and will prove to be a mistake as time passes. The man was far from perfect but he did a lot of good.

Expect the winter sports coaching positions to be opened after the season. Same for the spring sports.

Anonymous said...

The Key Work of School Boards is vision, standards, assessment, accountability, alignment, climate, collaborative partnerships and continious improvement. Their sole responsibility is EDUCATION! Those that like to use the word SUE, not as a proper name, but as the world's solution to a situation one does not agree with...certain comments and statements have nerve...it is like the pot calling the kettle black. Let's look at the past school board members, the Sunshine Law was brought up then as it is now, did it get anywhere, no...Just because we don't agree with what is going on, is no reason to waste our tax paying dollars. Let time tell, we may be surprised.

Anonymous said...

Education should be on the top of all of our lists. It is on mine. I try not involve myself with people who are liars, cheaters, those with personal vendetta's and under handed doings. Just this once I will attend the January 7th meeting with minutes in hand to sit with all you who fit into the groups above. Education is not your only agenda, lets be honest.

Anonymous said...

I also want to voice my support for coach Dalton and thank him for all he has done for all students of trinity. But I think my bigger concern has to do with the way the new board is going about its job. It seems obvious that they have voted on some very big issues without advertizing their meeting agenda 30 days in advance as I am told the bylaws require and it also seems very clear that they have met in private prior to their first official meeting to map out their plan of attack that they will use to achieve their agenda, what ever that may be. This would be a clear violation of the sunshine act and would constitute a criminal act. It just scares me to think of how much power these egomaniacs think they have.

KENNY B. said...

Look people, make no mistake about it this isn't about Daltons record. It's a head hunting mission by the new members. The male new member is mad because his nephew couldn't make the wrestling team. So they ran the coach of before he and his posse took office. Next on the list is Dalton because he wouldn't step in and push the wrestling coach. Principle Snoke is next on their list, he wouldn't help either. This board is out to destroy anything that gets in its way. They must go, Friday's tirad was only the begining. Let's put some preasure on them/ Some own busniess BOYCOT THEM. DONT BUY YOUR JEWLERY FROM THEM, CALL SOMEONE ELSE IF YOU HAVE HEATING OR COOLING PROBLEMS, TAKE YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS ELSEWHERE ECT. Come on people stand up let's atleast let them know we're watching their every move.

Anonymous said...

In your life time there will be people who hate you, like you, tolerate you or love you. That's just the nature of the beast. But how many of you, when your final breathe is taken..will have anyone speak up and say, "This man changed my life, this man made a difference." I doubt very few of you and to be honest after reading some of your posts..I doubt even your kids would. But I know, without a doubt there will be many, many people..both men and women who will say..."Ed Dalton made a difference in my life." When the final horn goes off, it won't matter how many wins and loses you have or how many championship trophies you've amassed. When it's all said and done, the only thing that you can leave behind is whether you were important in someone's life and whether you made a difference. Ed Dalton touched so many lives. He made a difference in so many lives. I think the most important thing he taught us all was to be accountable. Accountable to our families, our friends, our teammates but more importantly,to ourselves. Love him, hate him...it doesn't matter. When it's all said and done, there will be many of us that will stand up and say....He made a difference in my life and I'm a much better person because he was in my life. Change is inevitable... but how this school board went about dismissing him and the other coaches is deplorable. The man sacrificed so much for Trinity and the way you repay him is to dismiss him with a phone call? That was not only cowardly but totally ridiculous. I feel sorry for you. But mostly I feel sorry for the kids in Trinity who won't get to know Coach Dalton. Imagine the lives that won't be touched by him. I just wanted to say Thank-you coach....and to let you know, I'm standing up and saying.."You made a difference in my life, I am a better person because of you." To hell with the haters...you made a difference.

Anonymous said...

WOW - I'd put my name in. Since everyone else doesn't, I won't. I'd say that half of you people are complete idiots. If they wanted to fire Dalton that's their right as school board(personal agenda). However they did it in a classless way. Have the fortitude to go up to him and explain. The biggest enemy to Dalton-- Jerry Chambers enough said!!

To the lady yelling at Dalton-- This was to be expected. You are a big loud mouth and I am not surprised you did this. You are very uneducated women. We should all come to your BUSINESS and yell at you for your crapy pricing and bad quality of work.

As far as the new school board goes. That's great you want to look into the test scores and all that. Do you realize this isn't Peters Township - Upper St. Clair - Fox Chapel - Pine Richland. Heck Trinity isn't even Charties Valley. Trinity is an old area with a lot of poverty areas. Deal with it new board you won't change the world.

As far as GUY goes. He hasn't done anything at Canon Mac -let's fire him to. He has wad way more talent then Trinity has. He has done way less.

I have a great idea- get Guy to coach Trinity and then fire him in 5 years. This what people call the TRINITY MENTALITY!! Go Hillers

Sarcastic Sword said...

When school board members run for office to enact a personal agenda, its a recipe for disaster....as previously stated here, this has been a recurring theme at ringgold over the past 20 years and its athletic teams are in shambles from lack of stability.

I dont know anything about Ed Dalton other than from what I read in the paper but I do know that school boards with agendas (doesnt matter if its for athletics or for education) ALWAYS make decisions that never help the students...

Anonymous said...

I know you can hire and fire coaches at will without justification, but what about the actual AD position or a Principal. Does the Act 93 Agreement give them any protection? Wouldn't there have to be justification for removal or not renewing the contract? Can anyone tell me where to find this information?

Anonymous said...

I don't blame you - I wouldn't want it discussed either. It is an embarrassment to the entire district that ANY school board member would engage a newly fired coach/AD in an argument at the school and be seen by students and Trinity employees poking him in the chest and screaming. If it had been a fellow employee they would no doubt have been fired. What makes a school board member exempt - board members are supposed to set the tone for the district - she should be ashamed of herself -

Anonymous said...

I can't comment on Daltons football coaching skills, but his ability as an athletic director leaves a lot to be desired. I saw in a couple of other comments about the success of other sports programs during his tenure, but with a couple of exceptions, there really isn't much success to point to.
Dalton himself said that he was proud of making football the number one sport at Trinity, but that has come at the expense of other sports.
If you talk to people involved in sports at Trinity other than football, I doubt you will find much praise for Dalton.

Anonymous said...

I will be at the next school board meeting----it will be my first visit---and I didn't even get an invitation from the school bord president--like the the 3 people did in last weeks meeting---Ed Dalton is the best thing that has happened to Trinity i years and now 4 people want him out---they should be ashamed---and a school board should not have the ability to do what they did----it should have been put to a vote--and Ed would have won hands down---

Anonymous said...

I cannot disagree more with the last comment. He cares about all sports. Did you ever see him at events outside football? he is passionate. Your comments are without any knowledge of the other sports.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Dalton is protected under Act 93. I would bet many on this board have not read it or cannot comprehend the document. Unless a new Act 93 agreement is reached, which will not happen with this board, then Mr. Dalton would have to be hired as a teacher at the HIGHEST rate. Board members costing the taxpayer again!! What about Mr. Sabol who was also let go after 30+years of service to the district in food service.

Education will take a back seat to board member agendas. Our children will suffer as a result.

Anonymous said...

Administration has no union to protect them and can be fired at moments notice. AD is considered an administrative position so Dalton is not protected.

Anonymous said...

Let's remember that our students are most important. They are the ones that have lost all their fall coaches. Winter coaches, watch out your time is coming too. This board with the exception of 2 will see to that. Spring coaches buckle your seat belts, your not out of the woods either. The board wants to save money, they say. When they fill ALL these positions that will take extra money. What Math are they using. It adds up to extra spending and taking away from the education of our students at Trinity.

Long Time Teacher said...

I love coach Dalton's comment that the only time Mr.Bodnivich talked to him was to get FREE tickets & parking passes. This should tell you what kind of snake this fool is. He has shot his big mouth off for a while now telling anyone who would listen he would fire the people he DIDN'T LIKE. No other reason just he didn't like them.
TRINITY PARENTS ! We have got to ban together and stop these brainless Idiots. Make plans to be at the next meeting Jan 7th.

Anonymous said...

As a parent of a toddler and looking to relocate, the Trinity school district was at or near the top of my list. After reading through the comments left on this blog, I have now removed TSD altogether. Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

If Ed Dalton is the best thing to ever happen to Trinity sports, it doesn't say a lot about Trinity sports.
Coaches are hired to be fired folks. That's just the way it is.
Did Ed help Trinity football? Yes. They were a laughingstock before he took over.
But let's not compare him to Vince Lombardi. He's made the Hillers respectable, but hasn't made them consistent winners.
As for people talking about how Ed got kids into schools, the kids had a lot to do with that. In fact, it's all on them. It was their sweat, hard work and - most of all - athletic ability that made that possible.

Anonymous said...

So I guess if we go by record at their current school Guy is in trouble to as he is 37-37 at CM and 21-35 vs AAAA teams, with only 3 playoff apperances in 7 years.What a bunch of idiots why does anyone want to coach anymore, hang in there coaches.

Anonymous said...

I think it is amazing the out cry from people about Coach Dalton's situation. It certainly was handled poorly, but would there be this outrage if it was a world class math or science teacher? We still haven't been given specific reasons why he is being terminated--unless being disliked is the main criterion.

Sarcastic Sword said...

The world class teacher is protected by being in a union...Teachers only get fired for doing something illegal which them allows the school district the opportunity to dismiss them....Sadly, the crappy teachers are protected too...

Dawn Keller said...

Because of questions that have come up about Ed Dalton's contract, we have posted it on the Observer-Reporter Web site. You can get to it at www.observer-reporter.com/or/behinddesk/

Anonymous said...

I have talked to 7 of the 9 board members about Coach Dalton and 4 of them that voted him out said that he makes too much as an AD.

So answer this question board members: If he makes too much and you are trying to save the district money, some of you may want to take a math refresher course!!

Dalton will be paid $80,000 and could possibly kick out the lowest paid teacher at Trinity. You then have to hire a new AD and the going rate is anywhere from $65,000 to $75,000 for AD's. That is if they are beginners and not seasoned veterans.

So where is the money savings??? How about the move of the Assist super to South? Where are the savings with this? How about the Food Director? Where are the savings with this?? The moves that the board are trying to pull will cost the district more than they are willing to tell, So throw that crap of an excuse out the window!

Rally for those unhappy with the board at North Franklin Fire Hall on Tuesday, 7PM!! Everyone that is affected by this needs to attend. Coaches, teachers, parents, alumni, tax payers...Everyone!! Nothing but lies from the President of the Board Tom Bodnovich and his band of theives!!

Also heard that the kids of Trinity have a permit to picket in front of the jewelry store on Saturday! Can't wait to see the pics in the Observer Reporter!! Great Job KIDS!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm Ed Dalton's brother. I think what happened to Ed and the other coaches is pathetic. These coaches and A.D. are more important to these kids than these idiots know. There is no real good rhyme or reason why they fired them. According to what I have read so far its because of budget cuts??? Is that right??? I think that when you have conracts and they are for a specific time frame number one they should be honored, but two to fire them all they way that it was handled quite frankly I want all their resignations today!!!!!! All the coaches should be reinstated and stay the course. Trinity is back on the map because of Ed Dalton and the other coaches that put their time in with all the kids at Trinity School Area. On January 7 all of these so called board members should be gone and hire new ones that care about what happens in WASHINGTON!!!

Anonymous said...

What a great article by Hotsauce on the pa sportsboard!! You can find the page at this sight:

http://www.pasportsboard.net/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=4369&p=60383#p60383

But here is the blog from the site posted by Hotsauce:


After reading this article in todays Observer Reporter, it made me think the following.......

WE JUST HIRED 2 NEW PEOPLE TO RUN A 40 MILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS and a NEW SOLICITOR BASED ON A PHONE CALL!!!! What idiot ( I should probably pluralize the word idiot) would do that without multiple interviews, checking previous employment, and discussing this with the entire board and administrators!! Ladies and Gentlemen, we didn't just hire a new dishwasher (and no offense to those in the business) but 3 people in charge of $40 MILLION DOLLARS!!!

So it depends on which side you believe....Here are the two answers to the question.....It's kind of like asking how you would rather die......Drowned or burned to death!

STORY #1: The newly elected board members lead by Tom Bodnovich and Kenny Bonnell had to of had multiple closed door meetings and had this decision ready to go at the board meeting unbenounced to the the public (and a couple of the other board members that stated they had no idea!) to hire a new solicitor (who just happens to be Tom Bodnovich's good friend) and two new Supers......all of which just decided to come check out a board meeting down in little Washington.....Phone call at the recess my a$$$$$$! Might want to check on the Solicitor and the number of districts he has exited!! And really people, do you honestly believe these 3 didn't know what was going on?!! And you really believe the board didn't expect this to happen?!!? What a bunch of LIARS!!


STORY #2: We just happen to have the dumbest group of idiots to ever walk God's Green Earth! We just hired 3 people without interview, without discussing with other board members, without knowledge to the community, to run a $40 Million Dollar Business!!!!!!!! Our fault, we voted them in, so shame on us!!

Depends on which story you want to go with, both are ABSOLUTELY WRONG!!! I think I would feel better if it was the first story!!! At least I would be comforted with the fact that we aren't completely insane as a school board!! So when it comes down too it......I guess I would rather drowned!!!

Anonymous said...

Anyone who doesn't want me to pay attention to sports at Trinity can explain to me why my tax dollars are paying an A.D. coaches, facilities,etc. Anyone who doesn't want me to pay attention to a school board member removed by the police from the high school for an altercation with a school employee can explain to me how he /she doesn't represent our district. Now how about the kids ?

Anonymous said...

I was told by a new Trinity Board member to "go to the blogs that we all talk to each other about and post the responses" that we get from the board members. So Mrs. Board member here we go.....

This board member told me in response to a question about leaks of information coming from the school board "she is not native to this area but she would would be disappointed if board members were speaking to Washington Board members"

She tells me that one of her reasons for voting to open the Ad position is because of the "lack of ethics but seems to have no ethical objections to members of Trinity's board talking to other board members from other school districts.

She responded ,when being asked by a different caller, about her reasons, "All of the horror stories I have heard of Dalton, I am now living them thru my kids." "he does not spend enough time or money on other sports such as soccer" Her kids play soccer by the way. She also blamed him for there being no Porta John at Trinity South for youth soccer games" Great reasons?

Another board member stated, "Ed Dalton had a losing season, he compared Trinity to TJ (Thomas Jefferson, mind you a pretty good program), and that Trinity should have a drug testing policy". Those were his reasons

One member states that "over 50% of the district's employees are related"

Yet another member replies when asked "He took Trinity away from the Bronson House" He later returned a call and stated "that it would not have mattered what he said, the other board members already had meetings and knew what they were going to do" He also stated that he is just a body on the board and was not even aware of the agenda for the meeting.

Folks lets remember first off that this is not just about Ed Dalton, all the fall coaches were let go. Secondly, Mr. Dalton has helped other athletes from other districts beside just Trinity. He truly wants to see kids succeed. he cares about the kids, not just the football players, but all the kids.

All I ask is that we remember there are kids involved, please plan on attending the January 7th board meeting. Let's tell our new board that they got this one wrong.

Anonymous said...

Read the police report...no one was removed from the school by the police! Enough of the he said she said stuff. Time will tell what positives will happen. Take a look at the test scores...past and present...ranking in the state. Compare our district with similar ones in the state and see how we fair...no too good. Education is what we should be concerned with, not the petty comments of hearsay.

Anonymous said...

Why go to a board members business? Any of you that own businesses...would you want it? Shame on the students, there are other ways to handle this, but disrupting one's business is wrong whether what they did is right or wrong. What comes around, goes around, just remember that...if you own a business and your child is one of the one's on Jefferson Ave on Saturday. This is completely out of hand and adults need to start acting like adults and direct students in the right way of handling situations, not encourage them. Remember this is Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Why is it that board members are not answering phone calls, turning their phones off, and belittling the students when they do get in touch with them? I know that some of the kids have been rude on the phone, but that is just a very small percentage. The vast majority have been very polite and professional. Yet the members of the board are shouting at them and being very unprofessional.

They are even being rude to adults and refusing to answer questions when called. I have had 2 board members hang up on me when I asked them to explain the reasoning for opening all of the sports positions and how is this going to save the district money.

It is YOUR JOB to answer the public and it is YOUR JOB to act professional when on the phone with adults and students. A few of the board members have even gone as far as to use inappropriate language and swearing at the students and adults. YOU WILL ANSWER MY QUESTIONS ON THE 7TH!! THERE IS NO PHONE TO TURN OFF AT THE BOARD MEETING!!

You are in that seat to represent me and many others as tax payers and you will behave professionally when adults or kids call you. If you don't like it. Resign! After some of the comments that have been made, several of you will be asked to step down.

Anonymous said...

I am just a bit confused about one of the issues that seems to be on the new board's agenda. In this morning's paper Board Member Day referred to the problem of "nepotism." Is that really a problem? I'm not sure that you could find a school district anywhere that doesn't have family members working for the same school district. It is normal for college graduates to return to their home districts after graduation & try to beome part of the system that influenced them. Do we have multiple cases of children or spouses being hired regardless of credentials or qualifications or are the board members still harboring a grudge agaist a former board member? I think if they want to start a new policy, it should be implemented for all future hires & stop the witch hunt. This is just one more example of small people trying to make a BIG splash.

Anonymous said...

That last blog is very interesting. Is that why he wanted one of his relatives to get a permanent job in the Trinity district before he took oath for the school board?

Anonymous said...

I feel bad for all trinity coaches I did some research today and wrote a letter to the editor, here ya go:
local football teams wins the last 5 seasons:
bc - 41, fc 31, trinity 29
cal 27, mcguffey 27, ch - 26, washington 25, ringgold 20, char 18cm 17, peters 13, avella 3, trinity and bc are the only schools in the last 5 years to win two or more playoff games. I feel bad for marino and all the other coaches, with these smart people on the board.

Anonymous said...

WOW!!!! Glad im a PREXIE!!!!

Anonymous said...

I am pretty sure Ed Dalton has coached his last down at Trinity. However, he'll look great in that Penn Trafford Green and Gold

Anonymous said...

What a great turnout tonight for the rally against the board!! There was about 250 people there. The most impressive aspect about the rally was the 35 players that came back from college and got up on the stage and talked about the things Dalton has done for them and their families. Very touching!
Another great aspect was the youth programs and the amount of kids from the middle school who were there to support the cause!
Even if the board ignores the public, it is great to see such a turn out for such a great cause! Dalton will have NO problem finding another job and he will do great things for the next district. While Trinity returns to the days of old!!

Anonymous said...

Mike,

Where is the coverage of the the rally from the Observer? You mean to tell me there was no representation from the local paper about a rally against the school district? Yet WPXI and WTAE both covered it and it was WPXI breaking story!

Also, hope you are back from vacation because I, along with several of my collegues have posted many comments to this board that have yet to appear. They were in good taste so they shouldn't have been deleted.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Board members are claiming that there are administrators that spoke at the rally and that is nothing but a lie! Know your facts! Even if they did, it is their right. It is a shame that the district employee's are affraid to do anything because of fear of retaliation from these board members. Nothing but bullying! Doesn't Trinity have a NO BULLYING policy?!!

Here is a list of the speakers in no particular order:

Mr. Martin (Parent)
Mr. Brownlee (Parent)
Mrs. McIlvaine (Parent)
Mrs. Garove (Parent of College Kid)
Andrew Sweat (Ohio State)
Mark Faldowski (Army)
Mr. Dalton
and a couple other players from Dalton's past.

There were NO ADMINISTRATORS nor were there any district employee's that spoke at the rally. (Other than Dalton who thanked everyone for their support and reminded people that this is about the district, not just him)

Hope that clears up the misconceptions!

mike_kovak said...

All question concerning coverage of this news events should not be directed to the sports department.

WashpaWilly said...

thats great, 250 people came out to support him. But by looking at this blog, the news other websites, this has become a dead issue. No interest from ANYONE outside of the Trinity School District, maybe that will show people who really cares, no one. If the only supporters are students and parents of past football players, that shows alot about this situation. Dalton is done, let's move on.

Anonymous said...

Check out the salaries of the employees, Dalton isn't out of the range of every other AD out there
http://php.app.com/PAteachers/search.php

Anonymous said...

And when a new football coach comes in, those same people who got up to speak for Dalton - exluding his former players - will be kissing that coach's behind as well.
Ed Dalton's not going to be Trinity's football coach next year. Get over it. The board isn't going to hire him back no matter how many rallies/tantrums are held. You elected these people, live with it for four years.

Anonymous said...

I called the high school last week after a conversation I had with Mr. Bodnovich. I asked where I could get information about PSSA scores and I was given a state website to look the information up. Trinity's test scores are actually really good when you compare them to other districts in Washington Co. (Head and shoulders above the local districts). Most years, the Trinity School District is 2nd only to Peters Township and right with or above Canon Mac.

His second concern is that Trinity has "Too many Druggies" (exact quote). What proof do you have of this Mr. Bodnovich? Where do you get your information?

Here is a little proof for you since you refuse to get the truth:
Trinity had a lock down last week. 5 drug dogs were brought in and EVERY locker was searched. Not one drug was found in the entire school! That sir, is the truth.

Where do they get their information? Ken Bonnell and the Weekly Distorter?!

Anonymous said...

You must not be reading the paper. Can you read? There have been letters to the editor from some of Wash High's fans. They had some nice things to say about Dalton. You unfortunately weren't lucky to meet the man.

Anonymous said...

YEA you might think there will be some sucking up to a new coach... But only from the school board who needs perks like free tickets or parking passes. Maybe they should give them a free T-shirt with the logo.. do as I say not as I do..
cause we are better than you