Northpinellas: Clearwater's hoops tradition is on the line

Letters to the Editors

Clearwater's hoops tradition is on the line

It saddens me to see what's happening to Clearwater High School's varsity basketball coach, Rudy Coffin.

I worked as Rudy's junior varsity coach from 1996-1998. I am the head basketball coach at East Rowan High School in Salisbury, N.C. I would not be where I am today if it weren't for Rudy. He took me under his wing and served as a mentor. The system I'm currently running has many of Rudy's philosophies.

The Little League-mentality parents at CHS need to get a grip. They won't find a better coach than Rudy Coffin, a definite Hall of Famer. Not one of those parents knows what it's like to coach or run a basketball program. They are mad because their child isn't college material or a star. It isn't Rudy's fault. Their child just isn't good enough. Parents need to accept that and stop blaming the coach.

Until last week I had dreamed about becoming the head basketball coach at CHS when Rudy retired. That has now changed. I wouldn't coach at CHS for all the money in the world. Principal Nick Grasso needs to hire a coach who will carry on the Clearwater tradition. He also needs to hire someone who won't take any crap from these parents.

Mr. Grasso, please do the right thing. Clearwater High has more tradition in hoops than any program in the state. Don't be remembered as the man who ruined that tradition.
-- Derek Kurnitsky, Salisbury, N.C.

School system could have helped a man who needed it

Re: Teacher's suicide follows rumors, story, Feb. 9.

How is it that the Pinellas County school system treats a favored son, a man who has given 30 years to encourage, motivate and educate thousands of high school students?

We have read the accounts of Palm Harbor University High School teacher Danny Cole's death. We will tell you how the system treats this favored son.

It investigates on rumors and then, when both parties deny the rumors, it presses further and suspends this favored son, Danny. It mistreats, maligns and slanders.

Those who were lucky enough to be in his class saw innovative education from a teacher who chose to treat his students with dignity. He cared about them as individuals. Those who knew Danny know he was a man of integrity and moral character, a family man who loved his wife and son and daughter.

Did anyone in the system step forward to stop the madness? No.

Why were those who were so anxious to point fingers not as vigilant to see a colleague in need of help?

In the Pinellas County school system, there is no "innocent until proven guilty." How did the system treat a favored son? It killed him. Because more than one person did not use prudent judgment, a man has died. Criminal charges should be brought against several individuals and the Pinellas County School Board. Somebody must be responsible for treating a favored son with such malice.
-- Gus and Michele Haynes, Clearwater