Questions Loom Over Lacrosse Coach's Dismissal

Harold DeFazio wants answers.

The father of an incoming senior wants to know why his son’s lacrosse coach was let go, or, as DeFazio said, “fired.” Administrators have said they chose not to renew JP Banks’ contract, but have not disclosed publicly the reason.

Banks, who accepted a coaching position during the then-ongoing teacher contract dispute last year, took the team to the second round of playoffs. That, coupled with his commitment to helping kids move to the next level of college sports, is reason enough for DeFazio to be angry about the decision.

“They want a teacher as a coach,” DeFazio claimed of the administration’s motivation. The administration told Patch previously that during the dispute would continue coaching this year too. 

But, after news spread a few weeks ago that Bank’s contract had not been renewed, DeFazio began asking questions and “led the charge” for a meeting Thursday night between parents and administrators.

“We wanted to find out what happened and why,” DeFazio said Friday of the roughly 30 parents in attendance. “And, of course, they wouldn’t give us any solid reasons, other than they have their reasons.”

Because personnel matters cannot be discussed openly, Hatboro-Horsham High School Principal Dennis Williams said press was not permitted to attend the meeting.

“This is a meeting for high school lacrosse parents only,” Williams said, by e-mail in advance of the meeting. “There is the possibility that we will discuss both personnel issues and concerns that the parent group may voice.”

Banks said Friday that Athletic Director Lou James had told him there was a “disconnect” and that the district wanted someone “more connected to the building” to fill the coaching position.

“The ones that are suffering are the kids,” Banks said. “I feel bad for them in that they’re going to be facing turmoil again.”

James confirmed Friday that administrators are conducting interviews for a new boy’s lacrosse coach, what will be the third such position in three years.

“We don’t enjoy going through this process at all,” James said Friday. “It’s hurtful to our student athletes.”

James reiterated that he could not disclose the reason for not continuing with Banks.

“We really don’t discuss personnel issues,” James said. “We have the job posted and we hope to hire.”

If all goes well, James said the spring sports coaching position could be filled by the time school begins.

Banks, meanwhile, is running a summer/fall club program with 180 boys. He’s been offered six different coaching jobs, all of which he’s declined. In the year he coached Hatboro-Horsham athletes, Banks, who lives in the Pennridge School District, said he’d gotten close with the kids. 

“I wish the boys all the success,” Banks said. “And I hope they bring in somebody that does a great job with them."