Dozens of Wantagh parents, alumni demand answer after longtime coach removed from middle school role

Dozens of parents, alumni and former players pressed the Wantagh Union Free School District Board of Education on March 20 to explain why longtime coach John Chifo is no longer the boys’ middle school lacrosse coach and urged the board to reinstate him.

The comments came during the public‑comment portion of the board’s March 20 meeting at Wantagh High School. Speakers described Chifo’s four decades in the district and tied his removal to a loss for students and the broader Wantagh lacrosse tradition.

Many speakers framed their remarks around Chifo’s tenure and influence. Rich McKeel, a Wantagh resident, said the coach was “simply just told, it’s just time” and that neither Chifo nor program leaders were given reasons for the change. McKeel said community members had launched a petition “I believe it’s up to 700 or something” asking the district to reverse the decision.

John Savage, a Wantagh graduate and current teacher and coach, told the board Chifo “instantly became my hero” and described how the coach helped create a local culture that sends many players on to college lacrosse programs. Michael Giardina, a Wantagh resident, said Chifo “was the only educator from the entire district who they felt they could reach out to for guidance while on their paths to become teachers.”

Other speakers recounted personal stories of mentorship, crisis response and long‑term community ties. Chris Fatucci, who said he played on Chifo’s 2001 state championship team, described how Chifo “organized” support after Fatucci’s emergency surgery and reached out to check on him; Maria Meneses said Chifo had been “a mentor” to her and her son. James Fulton noted a petition started “24 hours ago” and asked the board to “reconsider” the district’s choice.

Several speakers described program traditions Chifo helped create, including the community’s custom of awarding the number 22 to a senior who exemplifies character and leadership; multiple alumni said they continue to wear that number in his honor. Numerous commenters also said Chifo had been responsible for operational details — supervising locker rooms, ensuring medical kits and AEDs were on hand, and walking players to practices — and characterized him as going “above and beyond” what is required of a middle school coach.

Speakers included current teachers, former players, alumni and parents; many said they had remained in Wantagh because of the town’s community ties and the continuity of local school traditions that coaches such as Chifo helped build. Several asked the board to explain whether the removal was related to misconduct, and said no such reason had been provided to them.

The board did not announce a change in its personnel decisions nor provide an explanation for Chifo’s removal during the meeting. Several speakers asked the board to publicly explain the rationale and to consider reinstatement.

The remarks continued for more than an hour and included residents who said the decision had broad community impact, from former varsity players to current families. Petitioners and speakers said they would pursue further outreach to the district and to elected officials to seek clarification or a reversal of the decision.