Football Coach's Supporters Respond to Criticisms

In response to an anonymous letter sent to members of the Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education complaining of head football coach Marc Crisafi's handling of the team, a group of about 10 parents attended the Jan. 5 board meeting with many speaking up for the beleaguered coach.

The parents cited the team's progress since Crisafi took over in 2010, with most pointing to the values instilled in their boys playing for the team. The team has compiled a 3-22 record under Crisafi, but the complaints addressed by the parents focused on accusations of disciplinary problems and his decisions on which players received the most playing time.

Frank Mercuri, who said he is a state-licensed varsity sports official and familiar with many football programs around the state, said he supports the coaching staff and believes complaints about playing time are unfounded.

"I would turn that around and challenge that parent to ask their son or daughter why they don't play, what they could do to get better," he said. 

Mercuri added Watchung Hills Regional plays in one of the state's tougest conferences, but noted, "We're making progress; we've come a long way."

Other parents added to the progress meme, and Touchdown Club President Glenn Mastrobatista said he would like to see a "town hall-type" meeting held to discuss any issues between all of the students groups involved in a "football event," including cheerleaders and the marching band.

"If people truly have an issue, they'll bring it to light," he said. "But I would really be disappointed if personnel matters were discussed based on a few selective complaints when we have several hundred people involved in this event, which is a football game."

He added the Touchdown Club is working to include the cheerleading squad and band to make football games "the true event" that they are. "The Touchdown Club will go to great lengths to improve every aspect of what we do next year."

Parent Lisa Keller said Crisafi's support and guidance for one of her sons was "immeasurable."

"More important is how your coach develops these young boys into men," she said. "When they leave here, they have good values and they're good people."

Board members did not respond to the comments, and both Crisafi and Superintendent of Schools Frances Stromsland declined to comment on the situation.