More questions than answers with Clodi’s situation at SCE

During my 27 years in the newspaper business, I’ve been fortunate enough to have covered some memorable sporting events.

I’ve seen Tiger Woods stroll down the 18th fairway at Cog Hill surrounded by a sea of fans on his way to winning the Western Open.

I sat next to former major leaguer Jim Kaat during the 1984 National League Playoff series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. As an avid Cubs fan, all I remember is that it didn’t end too well.

I fondly recall watching Michael Jordan jokingly answer phone calls (unbeknown to the people on the other end of the line) while trying to give directions to his summer basketball camp held at Elmhurst College.

I’ve covered high school state championship baseball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling teams, as well as several individual state champions.

I’ve also had the privilege to meet and work with many athletes, parents, coaches, and athletic directors throughout the years.

While none of this makes me an expert on anything, I’ve always prided myself on making a concerted effort during the past 12 years as a sports editor/writer/columnist in the Tri-Cities area in attempting to understand how the local high schools function.

Having lived in St. Charles since 1988, I’d like to think that I’ve got my finger on the pulse of the community.

Admittedly, some stories have been easier to write about than others.

This isn’t one of them.

Toward the middle of last week, word quickly spread that St. Charles East boys basketball coach Brian Clodi was in danger of losing the position he has held for the last eight seasons.

Last Friday, Jim Blaney, director of School and Community Relations for St. Charles Community Unit School District 303, confirmed to the Daily Herald that St. Charles East Athletic Director Jerry Krieg did not provide a favorable review of Clodi during the annual end-of-season review process and recommended to St. Charles East Principal Robert Miller for the removal of Clodi as the Saints’ varsity basketball coach.

Miller, in turn, concurred that Clodi not be retained in his current position.

Earlier that same day, a group of St. Charles East students staged a rally in support of Clodi just before the start of school outside of the main office.

Mind you, high school students don’t get up any earlier than they have to for too many things unless they feel a certain motivation.

“We just wanted to show our support of Coach Clodi,” said Saints senior basketball player Dan Ditusa. “I wish we would have had more time to organize it but the turnout was good — probably more than 100 people.

“There were kids who don’t even play sports at the protest because they’ve had him (Clodi) as a teacher or just know what a good reputation he has.”

Ditusa, who calls Clodi “one of the most unselfish persons I’ve ever met,” was shocked when he first heard of Clodi’s possible ouster.

“He’s the last person in school that should be losing his job other than for reasons like his retirement or for finding a better job,” said Ditusa. “He has made a huge influence on my life. He has been like a father figure to me outside of the house.”

Classmate Zach Zajicek agreed with his former basketball teammate.

“I’ve played sports at all different levels with all different coaches,” said Zajicek. “Coach Clodi has been the most influential person I’ve ever known. He is passionate about coaching and he does it the right way.”

Ditusa and Zajicek met with Krieg, Miller, and District 303 Superintendent Dr. Donald Schlomann after school last Friday to try to get some answers.

“They couldn’t give us a concrete reason,” said Zajicek.

“They were very broad in their response to our questions,” added Ditusa. “Not many answers were given.”

Administrative policy does not allow for an explanation of personnel issues. Krieg did not return my calls and Clodi declined to comment.

So all we’re left with are a lot of questions.

What exactly did Clodi do wrong?

If he did something wrong, is it worth his dismissal?

Did it really have to reach this point?

Is his removal as head basketball coach in the school’s best interest?

Is it in the basketball program’s best interest?

Is it in the best interest of the community?

Most importantly, is it in the best interest of the kids?

“I don’t see how losing him is in the program’s best interest,” said Ditusa.

An estimated crowd of 200-300 that included several past and current basketball players, coaches, parents and other interested citizens shared similar beliefs during Monday night’s school board meeting.

No matter the outcome, this is a hot-button issue that isn’t going away anytime soon.

To me, it’s another memorable experience — and one I’d really like to forget.

“This just all seems wrong,” said Zajicek.

You can reach Craig Brueske at csb4k@hotmail.com