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With Lestochi's
hiring, time for
BG to turn page
One of the darkest chapters in the annals of Bishop Guilfoyle ended with the hiring of Ryan Lestochi as boys basketball coach.
Only those privy to the behind the scenes maneuvers know how many others were offered the position before Lestochi accepted it.
The unacceptable dismissal of Chris Drenning and his loyal, dedicated assistants came as shock and complete surprise to the Bishop Guilfoyle community but not to a select few school board members, administrators and I have to assume my friend and athletic director Joe Landolfi.
Dismissing the coach of the year was not a reasonable decision.
It goes without saying that fellow coaches, basketball officials and a considerable number of Marauder faithful remain bitter and feel empathy and compassion for Drenning, his assistants and their families.
A round of applause and heartfelt thank you to those former coaches and families for the personal sacrifices they made over these many years.
They certainly were not in it for financial gain.
Like the true gentleman he is, Drenning was one of the first in line to call Lestochi and wish him well. That kind of character is rarely seen.
It goes without saying that there is an urgent need for a more defined structure concerning athletics decisions.
That said, the number and quality of the returning players is a deep one. I'm offering my support and encourage fans to do the same. Turn the page and support the athletes.
Lestochi, his staff and most importantly the team will need that same encouragement and enthusiasm that makes Bishop Guilfoyle special.
Lestochi is a BG grad with outstanding credentials. I am confident that he will use the pieces already in place to continue a winning program.
There are those who will not forgive and forget so easily. I, for one, cannot blame them. This debacle could have been avoided.
Jim Kilcoyne
Altoona
(The writer is a graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle, class of 1967.)