To the Editor:

For over 20 years, I have been employed in an administrative position within the Providence Recreation Department. My professional career began during my playing and coaching years at Classical High School, RIC and CCRI. Currently I serve as the president of the Cranston Western Little League program, the success of which is distinguished and well documented.

The reason I mention a small portion of my background is for readers to understand who is behind this letter. I acknowledge that I have a son who attends Cranston West High School and is a member of the boys’ basketball and baseball teams. His participation level has and will never play a role in what my opinions are stated below. I appreciate the many friends I have in the community and always respect their positions on issues that we have common interest. In the case of the Cranston School Department’s handling of the coaching position of Cranston West High School boys’ basketball, I feel compelled to expound on the situation.

The 2013-14 boys’ basketball team had a disappointing season.

Two bright spots were that the team received the Sportsmanship Award and was recognized for a special night in Coventry for a special needs player who was given a chance to play. For those who attended, there was not a dry eye in the gymnasium!

The Cranston West boys’ team was heralded statewide and received a grant for their act of kindness and respect. This is no surprise to those who know head coach Jim Moretti, who has facilitated the program with success, pride and integrity. Like all coaches, he will never please parents who respectfully have different philosophies, which they are entitled to express. X’s and O’s have always been an open dialogue with not one concrete way to coach. However, many former players of Moretti have been mentored by him and found their own success in the coaching field.

Those who understand the dynamics of athletics in the public school setting, realize what Cranston West is currently experiencing. With no middle school sports and freshman program, West boys’ basketball is struggling. Some felt the program needed a change with a different voice. I personally agreed that changes were needed and felt the actions taken after the season were positive. Afterwards, the call for additional moves became a character assassination. Coach Moretti was under a microscope for the next four months without being given a chance to defend his record.

I will always respect the opinions of others, but the complete misrepresentation and manipulation of information of a fellow coach has been totally unfair. The coach was finally given a chance to clear his name with Cranston school officials; I can say unequivocally that Moretti rebutted all of the issues levied against him. You could see the uneasiness displayed by panel members who knew the accusations made were manipulated. It was decided that the position would be posted and Moretti would be welcome to apply. Note: Moretti’s supervisor had already given him a positive evaluation to return for this season!

I am sure we will hear all the politically correct answers, deny what is said in this letter or take the high road altogether. The fact is the WHOLE story is finally in the community and people pro or con mostly agreed that Cranston’s actions failed everyone. Not to mention the hours wasted of taxpayers’ dollars.

Coach Moretti was never told during the season that the issues outlined existed. He admitted after last season that changes were needed. You can only learn from mistakes when you fess up to and own them, which the school system will likely not admit. Some of my best coaches, like Ken Hopkins, didn’t always win but their teachings played a role in my professional development still to this day. Did we always agree in the heat of battle? Absolutely not, and sometimes I resented the tone of their motivation, but I always respected the men and would support them today if they asked! The point is coaches are not just X and O driven because we all understand that the leadership skills passed on to our players will serve them for the rest of their lives.

With two children in the Cranston school system, I am extremely proud and very supportive of the excellent teachers my children have been fortunate to be assigned. The academic opportunities afforded the children in Cranston schools is highly commendable and I look forward to seeing the maturation of my children. I am very confident they will be ready for a college curriculum when they graduate from Cranston West High School. Let’s not kid ourselves; education should always be the top priority of any school system, but athletics is also important in many ways and provides social and physical activities that create friendships, teamwork and memories never forgotten.

Coach Moretti was given his interview for the position he held for 25 seasons. He was the most qualified person for the position. Why the Cranston school department went in a different direction raises many questions. My message to coaches is simple – your integrity and reputation are yours and yours alone! People may try anything to compromise that fact, but always stay above the fray.

Best of luck Coach Moretti! Your focus was always on the kids, which is how it should be. Your integrity and reputation are firmly in place and will be appreciated wherever you coach. Your months of stress are finally over, you have always stayed above the controversy and for that you will always be a winner. You did not fail; in my opinion, the system failed you! That means more than playing time, wins or losses! As a fellow coach, you will be sorely missed! Congratulations and best of luck to the new coaching staff of Cranston West boys’ basketball for the upcoming season.

Steven Piscopiello

Cranston