Another season has passed without a winning football program in Johnstown. That makes a total of 14 consecutive years of losing. This year's shameful season ended up without one single victory for a final (0-8) season. The No. 1 question remains: How much longer is our Board of Education going to allow this to continue?

Personally, I am saddened by the fact that there are so many Johnstonians who I know feel as I do, and yet, they continue to remain silent. I continue to ask myself why. Is it because they may be parents, grandparents or relatives of the youths who are participating in these consistently losing sports programs? Could it be that they fear some kind of repercussions from their children's coaches if they speak up? Maybe, just maybe, people (this includes former Sir Bill coaches) are so fed up that they simply no longer care. If any of this is true, it is truly sad.

The most ridiculous reason I have heard as to why our football and basketball teams have done so poorly is "it's the kids." Our kids are as good and as talented as any of the kids in our area. However, we in Johnstown have not had the fine coaching (in football and basketball) that other schools in our area have enjoyed. Let's be honest about it. Check the records. I'm too embarrassed to post them, especially for the past five years.

Board of Education members, give us a break. We are in dire need of new coaches. Please bring in some experienced people. Our kids deserve better. Johnstown football has become the laughingstock of the area.

JACK PAPA

Johnstown