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Several parents seek soccer coach's ouster

Several parents have called for the ouster of the Northern Lehigh High School boys soccer coach.

Three parents shared their concerns with the school board on Monday, and agreed that the team's assistant coach would make a better team leader.Resident David Harding, who has a son on the team, said he was concerned with head coach John Sitaris, who has guided the team for the past five years."This is not our first time bringing up these concerns to administration," Harding said. "Our concerns are that the students are not being treated as they should be."Harding then quoted the district's athletic honor code/discipline code, and added that he believes assistant coach Eric DiFulvio would make a better head coach."We feel the assistant head coach would definitely be a better fit for our individuals," Harding said. "We've had nothing but losing seasons."Neither Sitaris nor DiFulvio were in attendance.Resident Diane Seremula, who also has a son on the team, also expressed frustration over the situation."I see what we have in all the other sports," Seremula said. "I looked at the overall [boys soccer] program, and I have never seen a varsity sport so undisciplined as I have our soccer team."Resident Randy Bilger, who also has a son on the team, asked the board to consider what it's heard before it decides on the position."This is a position that I feel is very valuable, and the kids have to be the beneficiaries of it," Bilger said. "I really feel there's other people that could help the students out more."Board President Edward Hartman thanked the individuals who spoke. No action was taken by the board on the matter.Also on Monday, the board heard from Student Council, which gave its yearly board presentation.Renee Evans, advisor, introduced Student Council to the board.Among those who spoke from Student Council were Tamara Stubits, president, Lauren Oertner, vice president, Kristi Seiler, secretary, and Justin Molitoris, treasurer.After their presentation, members of Student Council then presented a gift to the board.District Superintendent Michael Michaels said instances such as that are what he believes makes Northern Lehigh "so great.""Thank you; you guys do a great job," Michaels said. "It's an awful big pleasure when I go over to the high school and see Christmas trees decorated."

TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS Members of Northern Lehigh High School's Student Council present a gift to school board members on Monday.