Aliquippa School Board's Decision on Basketball Coach Sparks Controversy

Nick Lackovich, the former boys basketball coach at Aliquippa, expressed his shock after the school board voted against renewing his contract, leaving his future uncertain.

During an emergency meeting on Monday, the board convened to discuss Lackovich's position. He faced the very members who decided to terminate his contract.

"I love my players and I'm very certain after they've all been polled since last Wednesday, they feel the same way," Lackovich stated, emphasizing his commitment to the team.

He further remarked, "This wasn't right," reflecting his disbelief at the board's decision.

On May 21, the board voted 5-3 against renewing Lackovich's contract. His coaching career at Aliquippa spanned two periods, during which he secured eight section titles, four WPIAL titles, and two PIAA titles, boasting an impressive record of 185-41.

In a subsequent vote on Monday, the board narrowly voted 4-3 in favor of reinstating him. However, Lackovich required five votes for a majority due to the initial nine-member attendance.

While the board refrained from commenting after the meeting, former players voiced their support for Lackovich.

"He was a very positive role model to me," said Chucky Humphries, who played under Lackovich in 2016. "That has influenced me throughout my life outside of Aliquippa, how I carried myself in college to get my two degrees, to win championships in college, to play professional basketball. Now I am a father, and now I train and mentor kids. All that is rooted from what coach Nick has done for me."

Branden Carer, another former player, shared his experience: "He was the first one that actually gave me confidence in myself because I didn't have any."

"I always got their back," Lackovich remarked about his players. "I really hope they would have mine."

The board's next scheduled meeting is set for June 11, where further discussions may take place regarding Lackovich's future.