District All Wet for Firing Coach

I am writing to express my dismay and outrage at the dismissal of Larry Raffaelli from his coaching position at Oxnard High School. Especially since that dismissal is occurring under what can only be termed as highly suspect circumstances.

I have no doubt that there are people, including students, that may not like Raffaelli. No human being could ever please everyone, every time. However, how can an experienced, qualified and competent educator be dismissed from a position he excels at, based on a nonsensical claim?

If this dismissal is not reversed, then the Oxnard High School District is not an ethical employer, does not operate in good faith, and is without integrity or a sense of justice.

JOHN L. RELPH

Oxnard

* I am curious who said Larry Raffelli was too abrasive and too tough on the kids he coaches (“Oxnard High Swimmers Rally Behind Ousted Coach,” June 27).

He was my AAU coach for over five years, and although he was tough, he taught me a great many things about how to be a responsible adult. I don’t think I ever worked as hard, tried as hard for any other coach or teacher as I did for Raffelli.

He is the type of coach that kids need nowadays, someone who will tell you that you have enough left for one more lap of the pool, then another.

He produced a lot of winners while coaching AAU and high school, but he produced more than that. He produced fully functioning adults, people who took responsibility for their own actions.

The school board should reconsider its decision, as it is the high school kids that will lose if Raffelli does not coach them.

BRIAN D. KEARNS

Oxnard