Schools

Stefko Removed as Girls Basketball Coach

Chartiers Valley is now searching for a new girls' varsity basketball coach

Chartiers Valley has removed Spencer Stefko as the girls’ varsity basketball coach and is now searching for his replacement.

The school board unanimously voted Tuesday night to open the position to new candidates and would not give an explanation to why Stefko will not be retained as coach.

The administration, which includes the athletic director, recommended that the position be opened. School officials said he will continue to teach American cultures, World history and algebra at the high school, and has the option to reapply for the position.

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and guided the Lady Colts to three section titles in the last four years. The Chartiers Valley girls’ basketball team hadn’t won a section title in the 29 previous seasons. Stefko was not at the meeting, but spoke to Chartiers Valley Patch after learning about the board’s final decision.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s like a bad dream,” Stefko said. “I’m proud of what we have done on and off the court. It’s a tough thing to hear nine people tell you that you aren’t fit to coach the kids in the district. But that’s another thing for another day.

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“I just miss my kids already.”

Before the vote, Patrick McGeough pleaded with the board to keep Stefko unless the board could name an infraction he committed. McGeough, who has a daughter on the team, said he was shocked by the decision and suspected that some parents complained to board members about playing time.

“Coach Spencer stood up for the girls. He tried to put girls sports on the map,” McGeough said. “Coach Spencer has made an impact on a lot of girls’ lives, and he should be allowed to continue to do that.”

Two other parents of players also came to the meeting to show support for the coach. Stefko said he appreciated the sentiment.

“I’m sure they were there because they just thought that it was the right thing to do,” Stefko said. “I’m just thankful that they thought I did right by their daughters.”

The Lady Colts lost in the first round of the Class AAA WPIAL playoffs this past season after making runs to the WPIAL and PIAA semifinals in the 2009-10 season. During the coach’s five years at Chartiers Valley, the Lady Colts never had a losing record and advanced to the playoffs each season.

“I really wish it were different,” Stefko said. “I just don’t know what to say right now. I just can’t believe it’s over.”


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