Cotter out at Clearwater Central Catholic

Bob Cotter is no longer the athletic director at Clearwater Central Catholic.

The announcement came Friday in an e-mail sent to the families of CCC students.

"The school basically decided to go in another direction," Cotter said. "I was surprised by the decision."

Cotter came to CCC in 1989 as an assistant football coach. In 1993, he became the school's athletic director, taking over the position from longtime director Nick Cavallero.

"When I took over, the athletic program was in great shape, and I wanted to maintain," Cotter said. "I think we were able to do that. The program is well respected in the county and around the state."

The e-mail sent to families of students said all questions regarding the decision were to be referred to Ann Marie Kohutek, CCC's assistant principal for student affairs.

Repeated calls to Kohutek have not been returned.   

"We're all somewhat shocked by this," CCC football coach Mike Jalazo said. "Most of the coaches here are off campus and Bob was our one link to the school."

-- BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer

Comments

[Tim]

CCC is pretty classless overall in my opinion. I went to watch a game they had vs. Calvary this weekend and all the boys coach, and CCC parents did, was whine and cry all night about the officials instead of teaching their kids christian principles of sportsmanship, honor, pride, and commitment.....and perserverence.

[USA]

How is it that PHIL knows and releases these numbers and gives these reasons for Cotter's dismissal on an obscure blog but no one from the administration or the diocese can?

PHIL must be from administration or the diocese.

The administration or the diocese has chosen an obscure blog to explain their decision. They have no class. And, they never made Varsity.

[USA]

Dear Phil,

How do you know these numbers? Are you making things up again? Shame, that's a work detail. Maybe you'll have a grandchild that will make Varsity and you can live through him.

With Pity,
USA

[USA]

PHIL never made Varsity!

[USA]

Financial or professional decision? Why haven't KKKohutec or Venturella, or the Diocesan leaders come out and settled things to put our blog to rest?

Regardless of the reason for Cotter's dismissal, let's discuss the method. Where is Christ in all of this silence? Regardless of Cotter doing/ not doing his job or CCC going bankrupt, where is Christ in the indignant Soviet method in which the school has released him? At least Cavallero received a gym name, a golf tourney, and countless thank-you dinners.

WHERE IS CHRIST IN THE DIOCESE'S AND THE SCHOOL'S LACK OF PUBLIC GRATITUDE TO COTTER FOR 19+ YEARS OF SERVICE?

[cccexfan]

What a classless act. It appears to me that the only ones who could have made such statements had to be someone in the school's administration or very close to it. Who else would know of salary and other such details. That's really cheap and tells you a lot about how they operate. As a friend of Mr. Cotter I have been reading these blogs written about him. I've known him for as long as he has been at CCC and never once have I heard him say anything that is remotely negative about the school since his removal. Did he make errors, sure he's only human. Was the school ever investigated by the FHSAA for recruitign violations and found guilty? None that I've ever read about. Is the athletic program respected by the county schools when it comes to athletics? Ask someone in a county school athletic department and my guess is that they respect the program. Mr. Cotter would never purposely endanger the lives of the kids and for Phil to insinuate otherwise is wrong. Hats off to a man who for nearly 20 years ran a clean program and acted as a strong moral mentor to hundreds of kids. I wish him the best of luck.

[Phil]

Bob Cotter has been on the FHSAA board for many years and with that came protection from MANY recruitment violations. Does anyone remeber the kids who came from over an hours drive away and were key cogs in the socccer machine and football playoff teams? In this case the inmate ran the asylum and when he finally got a boss who made hime follow up and follow proceedure, he responded by not doing so. I'm am unsure of how many of you could be written up several times and still not get it. If you were written up several times would you continue to be employed?

Care to question how many fall athelets at CCC were out of compliance after the FHSAA deadline for student physicals and participation in fall 2008.....57!!!

Had one of them got hurt the school couldn't have afforded the lawsuit. Who's responsibility is it to send this stuff in, further make sure a kid doesn't set foot on the field without it? THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. Worst thing, this wasn't the first time.

This isn't a financial decision, it's a not doing your 60+ thousand dollar job decision.

Thanks for the accountability CCC Administration!

[america]

i think the decision to let cotter go was a hard one but the right one, however the fish smells from the head down, the new leaders should go as well,

[Reality]

CCC is not doing anything special with Cotter there. Time to move on. There seems to be a lot of hatred among the Marauders. I would recommend focus on academics.

[wow]

People,
mr.cotter was awesome. suck it.

[usfbull89]

As a recent CCC graduate I have to say that it's getting harder and harder to go back and visit the school I spent 12 hours a day at most of the time. As an athlete and an academic I can thank the CCC I was a part of for helping me get to where I am today. Mr. Cotter was one of my favorite people to catch up with when I came back to watch sporting events and he was always there to talk to. I spent many a lunches talking to him about college plans and numerous other things. He truly is a great man. I'm not really sure what is going on at CCC anymore but what I hear from current students is not promising. I could no longer promote the school as what I used to and it's very sad to me.

[ashriver]

As the last graduate...in a long line of CCC graduates...I must say I am deeply saddened that I would not even send my own son there. A school full of strength, community, discipline, and tradition-who not only challenged the largest schools in the state, but defeated them, has lost what made them the school they once were. Mr. Cotter, I never had the privelage of playing in your administration but I was blessed enough to have played during the Cavallaro era enough to know that you followed, without deviation, from the path set before you. CCC taught me not only as a student, but it guided me to be a successsful student athlete as well. It is time the diocese steps in and realizes that they hold the key to returning CCC to thriving opportunity for kids that it once was. Remember, in academics, athletics, business, or relationships....nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care! CCC cared for me...us...it is time we did the same.

[bobbyd]

As a coach at SPC who knows Mr. Cotter and has great respect for him and the way he has treated the Barons when we visit CCC for any contest, I am deeply saddend for him,his family, and the whole Marauder community. I wish CCC nothing but strength to get through this difficult time. Fortes in Unitatae.

[runner]

when did CCC become a fortune 500 company with "upper managment"? when I attended from 93 to 97 it was a school-and a good one at that. it's a shame they thought they needed to bring in business directors, presidents and probably even more unnecessary positions with salaries of who knows what. I think it's out of line to suggest that CCC is focused more on state championships than academics. Academics have always come first at CCC; however, cutting out an athletic program would be debilitating and detrimental for CCC. I agree that students with impressive academic records should be awarded scholarships, nobody is arguing that. Nobody is being penalized for not participating in sports, but don't take the opportunity away for the majority of students who want to participate and be part of a team AND excel in the classroom. As stated in previous posts, athletics are an intergral part of student life. It helps kids learn leadership, gain confidence, learn about teamwork and learn how to manage their time by balancing academics and sports--all skills that are vital for them to make a successful transition into college. college admission offices like to see applicants that have other interests besides academics, particularly athletics- as it indicates a well rounded individual who posseses the above skills I just mentioned. Nobody is saying that CCC should drop their academic curriculum and focus on becoming a machine that pumps out NFL quarterbacks and Major League Pitchers, but it should most definitely continue to have a strong athletic program. If successful atheletes continue to come out of CCC, as they have in the past,as a result of a well run athletic program alongside a great academic program then that is all the better for CCC. why do you have to choose one over the other?? I am a product of CCC. I graduated with honors from CCC and participated in sports during my time there. I received an ACADEMIC scholarship to a great university where I graduated in 4 years and now I now have a successful career. I am not the only example of this- most of my fellow graduates have could make the exact same statement and some of them went on to participate in collegiate athletics. I can't say that I believe I would have had these results if I wasn't involved in athletics-it was such a great part of my high shool career and taught me so many important things. if you think enrollment is down NOW at CCC, see what happens when you continue to cut back on the athletic program.

[dazed]

Playing on a team is one of the best ways for children to learn life lessons as they see responsibility, respect, fairness and sportsmanship modeled. Only give scholarships to children with academic abilities....get real.

[c]

Upper management? We're talking about a high school, not a local Nordstroms. When I attended CCC, it was about academics, then athletics. However both go hand in hand, as extra curriular activities and team sports teach social skills as well as leadership skills. Both are obviously essential in the workforce.
AND actually, quite a few athletes have gone on to play sports in college, many who may not have had that opporunity without a strong athletic program.

[abc123]

i support the decisions made by the upper management. Its about time we start focusing on education, rather than state championships. We should be more focused on education awards than sports scholarships. And lets face it, how many recruits with free scholarships came here for education not there sports ability, for that matter most arent even catholic or care to be catholic. How many became athletes above high school level, or even pros.I feel that any scholarships given out from now on should be given to students with acedemic abilities that would not be able to otherwise. Then well see how many of those will become succesful after high school. Go MAURADERS!

[wow]

This is absolutely absurd. Mrs. Kahotek is a crazy woman who is trying to take over every aspect of our school. If she's having financial problems, STOP ORDERING NEW UNIFORMS AND LANYARDS!!!!!!! I wish I went to the CCC that previous alumni have told me about. CCC has become a joke to all other schools. And firing Bob Cotter pretty much just made it so much worse. Our school has become an embarrassment and I am not proud of it at all. I can't wait to be out of the dictatorship of Kahoutey, Deputy, and Dr. V. I can honestly say that I'm ashamed of our school. Mr. Cotter, we miss you so much and we're sorry for how rude our school was to you.

[doormat]

Bob Cotter, consider it a favor. You'll be better off not surrounding yourself with an administration that did not appreciate your commitment to CCC. Whatever happened to taking care of your own. Be careful who you cross you might be next. The administration is what is ruining the reputation of CCC. Thank God there are still great teachers and staff working there. Why doesn't the diocese do something before it's to late for CCC.

[runner]

The loss of Bob Cotter is a tremendous blow to the CCC community. As a former student-athelete at CCC, I know first hand just how dedicated and important Mr. Cotter was to the athletic program and the school. He was at every game and tournament taking care of every single last detail. He made a point to know everyone by name and took a genuine interest in their wellbeing. He made us all feel like family-something that used to make CCC stand out from other schools. Mr. Cotter took pride in his job, something that the current administration at CCC has apparently decided they don't need to do. I used to look back at CCC with pride and love because my time there was filled with so many good and positive memories. Now I wonder what has happened to that school that I went to and I am disappointed and disheartened by the direction the school has chosen to take. It is a shame for the students, the alumni and the surrounding community. I want to thank Mr. Cotter for over 19 years of service to CCC-it will never be the same without him. I also want to wish Mr. Cotter the best of luck in his future endevours-he deserves so much better.

[Drakeu85]

As a coach in this county for the past 15 years, I have always felt that Mr. Cotter and his coaches have done a great job of being competitive while still maintaining good sportsmanship. Just look at the number of athletes they have put into the college ranks and how successful they have been. I tip my hat to you Mr. Cotter, "Job well done"!

[WhoCares]

Didn't CCC do the samething to Nick Cavallero?

[WhoCares]

Who cares.

[enrique]

amazing how rational people can have such different opinions. i found the AD to have been mailing it in for the last 3-4 yrs, clearly disinterested in his job. others found him the "heart of CCC". its no secret that when you lose 60 students at 8k per year, you will have an unbalanced budget when missing 500k.

interesting how this is related to the resignation of the Catholic HS coach is Pasco as parents sabotaged him with the AD because he asked his players to be on time to practice. Parents pressured the school, which i assume is also under financial pressure, to make him back off or they would walk.

most parents today have no balls when it comes to their kids. they have no desire to actually parent their kids; instead they want to make them special.

[c]

I don't think there will be a response from CCC. That would indicate that there are financial concerns. Then parents would want some answers.

[cob botter]

This is just terrible. I completely blame anne marie kahutek.

[harvard.law]

CCC is just a business run by accountants & lawyers. This economy is forcing the school to fire teachers & administrators. Ms. Kohutek, Mr. Venturella, Mr. Deputy, and the Diocese cannot release statements because they'll get sued and hemorrhage more money. The unfortunate outcome is indignation. I suppose, though, that some form of gratitude could be attempted. One must wonder if the lawyers holding the strings will allow even that.

[FHSAA]

What is the reason for Ms. Ann Marie Kohutek's silence?

[FHSAA]

Why has the CCC administration and the diocesan leaders chosen to release Mr. Cotter without releasing a press statement or returning press contacts to comment?

What is the reason for the Diocese's silence?

[14]

I have known Mr. Cotter for almost 30 years. Having grown up with his kids, attending the same schools and playing on the same sports teams, you will never meet a better man, let alone Athletic Director, in this area.

As a graduate of CCC, I am saddened to hear this news. But mostly I am disappointed in the way that this was handled, and the absolute lack of respect, class, graditude, and appreciation that was shown to a man who always exhibited those characteristics himself. This is definitely not the way that someone who gave almost 20 years of his life to CCC should be treated.

This is not the same CCC that I attended, and that is upsetting. As another poster said, I would not send my own children to CCC. I hope at some point the Administration realizes the errors of their ways. The method by which they have handled this situation, along with many others over the past few years is troubling indeed. Once they realize all of the things Mr. Cotter did above and beyond the call of normal duty in his role as AD, they will be kicking themselves for this most hasty and impulsive decision. I can only hope that some of these wrongs are righted before it is too late.

Signed,

Concerned Alumnus (c/o '95)

[c]

It's the end of an era.CCC is about to find out just how much you contributed to the athletic program, but more so, to the student body.You will be greatly missed. I know I speak on behalf of many community members, alumni, and current students and families when I say thanks for 19 1/2 years of hard work at Clearwater Central Catholic. Know that it NEVER went unnoticed!

[enrique]

never a good thing to see someone lose their job, and not sure what is "going on" at CCC, if anything, but this is no lose at all.

simply not a guy who had the desire or energy, passion to drive the program any longer. poor relationships with staff and many parents, declining football program. the only two programs of note are baseball and girls soccer, which are successes due to the good men that run those programs.

CCC needs help no doubt, but this decision is not a detriment to the school's future. the school needs an AD that is actively involved in each teams season, its kids and their parents on a daily basis.

[space6]

I think that the truth of the situation is that Venturella is the worst thing that has happened to that school. You can't approach a local, community high school as a big business that is run only by finance and number crunching. Schools are a business of relationships, trust, respect, and finances. This man has made poor decision after poor decision, and is unfortunately supported by a weak principal and head administration. And this administration is going to run the school into the ground. Let's face it, parents send their kids to CCC for a sense of community, for ethical and moral teachings that revolve around catholic foundations, exposure to an amazing athletic program, and academics. Probably in that order. The morale at the school is so low because of Venturella and administration that there is no sense of community. The way in which Bob Cotter was let go shows that no catholic morality or ethics are alive anymore. As for the athletic program, it will go under. How do you emulate the passion and dedication of Bob Cotter? I truly believe this is the beginning of the end of CCC. And why? Poor leadership. Poor leadership is ruining a school that I loved and used to be proud to be associated with. What a shame. I've already talked to four parents who will no longer be sending their kids to this school because of recent events. Enrollment must be down. I wish the administration would at least be honest to CCC parents and students about what is really happening.

[losers]

This is a shame about Bob Cotter that man has dedicated his life to that school. "What goes around comes around people." You should be ashamed of yourselves and you call yourselves Catholic's. Put the blame where it belongs not with Venturella and Deputy but KOHUTEK ask any of the students what they think of her the school changed the day she walked through that door.She's been out to get Cotter from day 1. And then put the blame on the ones that allowed it. WHY?

[offense]

mr. cotter you will be missed, not only for the things you did that people saw , but for the things you did that they did not see. also for the knowledge that you shared with the coaches, i wish there was something i could do but you just might be better off out of that problem. i hope your back heals up from all those arrows.

[sarg]

I think that this is bull.
CCC is sooo dumb. They fired cotter so have fun finding 20 new teachers for next year because everyone is going to quit after this year because of all the this school is bringing. Cotter, i shake your hand for being the first one to get out of that consentration camp going on over there in clearwater.

i tip my hat off to you sir!

[BullFan]

It certainly came as a shock to see Cotter out at CCC. One of the premier athletic programs in the county and state, he must have been doing something right. Hopefully they can rebound from this mistake.

[2001Grad]

As a former student-athlete and second generation grad; I would never send my children to CCC. I must agree that the ethics that stood as the foundation of that school and tradition are gone; Jim Deputy, "President" Venturella have changed the direction with their rogue self will. It's sad to see the direction the school is heading, and Coach Cotter will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful, passionate leader, something they are lacking as they try desperately to compete with the Berkley Preps of the area.

[brutus]

Ethics and Christian morals left CCC when Sister Dion left. Dulce Roman felt no loyalty to her faculty and staff, and it looks like Jim Deputy lost his once he was promoted to principal. John Venturella is the worse thing to happen to CCC, and the letting go of Bob Cotter once again proves that fact!

[colt99]

I believe the Head Coach will follow him out the Door.. Time for CCC to inject some new Blood

[c]

I am deeply saddened with the direction the school has decided to take. While I've always taken so much pride in having attended CCC, I've started to really question the ethics and morals that are being used. This clearly isn't the same school as it once was. As a former athelete, I know Mr. Cotter very well. He was the athletic program. I've never met such a dedicated, hard working individual. It's the students' loss, and it's a legacy taken away. What a shame.

[Jan B]

It's such a sad day. Mr.Cotter was so invested in the welfare of his coaches and players. As a parent of 4 CCC student-athletes we are are all shocked that he will no longer be there. He is a great man and we will miss him so much.