In May, the Board of Education rejected an appeal by Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s decision to not renew his contract.
Freshman coach Chris O’Dell was also not renewed by Scarice. His appeal hearing is set for September 12.
Westport’s loss is Fairfield’s gain.
The pair have joined the coaching staff at Fairfield Warde High School, and been embraced by the Mustang community.
Despite the ordeal, both coaches retain their love for the Staples soccer program. Both are graduates of the school, and former captains.
In heartfelt letters to players and parents, Oost-Lievense and O’Dell describe their long connection to Wrecker soccer; thank their supporters, and note that Staples and Warde will collaborate in the future — including a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research, when the teams meet on September 27.
Click here, to read the letters from the 2 coaches.
Russell Oost-Lievense, in front of the Staples High School boys soccer trophy case. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Chris O’Dell (Photo/Richard McColl)
Westport’s loss was sadly and completely self-inflicted. Starting with the hubris of certain parents, followed by the incompetency in malpractice of Staples administration and the superintendent and, lastly by the “Profile in Cowardness” of the Board of Education minus, of course, Robert Harrington. (I’m looking at you, Kevin Christie.)
Scarice seems to be acting like Trump, firing people on a whim who seem to be doing a good job and popular.
Seek help Jack.
Oh Tom, How do you explain the overwhelming support and then, the next town hires them IMMEDIATELY? Explain exactly how this could happen unless, perhaps, maybe Donald J. Scarice acted impulsively! Why would Fairfield hire Westport’s castaways? You need help because you’re always telling people they need help!
From what I understand, no reason was given for termination because no reason had to legally be given because Scarice can fire these coaches as he wishes! Tom, known anyone in DC who fires people as he wishes? Tom, can you think of anyone?
Jack, in the real world it’s known as “at will” employment. You can leave or they can fire you for any reason or no reason at all. IMO this affair should never have made the media.
Eric, But they were so popular! Why would he get rid of such a popular coach? It seems like all the students supported him! Just because he can fire someone, it doesn’t mean it is the correct choice, and it looks like everyone came out to support this coach. Then, he gets hired in the next town. Maybe Scarice doesn’t have the ability to admit he made a mistake! That’s why his new name is Donald J. Scarice.
As a Staples grad (class of ‘70) I am so proud of these two fine young men. It’s obvious that they realized it was time to test the waters beyond the hallowed, cloistered halls of Staples and elected to move their lives onward and upward. And, as they inevitably do, better opportunities emerged as if by magic.
I went through a similar experience in June of 1970 when I realized that there was a whole new world to explore beyond Staples and Westport. It was so nurturing of Superintendent Scarice who could very easily have stood in their way.
They’re coaching in the next town over, not Spain.
It might as well be Spain. Westport is a world of its own.
Eric – I would rather we support Westport residents, long term coaches and former students / captains from the program.
Legally – sure it’s possible but it doesn’t make it right.
Legally it is also possible to record an in-person conversation secretly as Superintendent Scarice did here with one of the coaches. Again it doesn’t make it right.
Fortunately Darien Public Schools and Fairfield Warde have higher ethical standards for their employees than Westport.
We must show better support for great employees and partners to our community.
The Superintendent and other 5 members of the Board of Education have simply turned their backs on one of their own – and let them down.
Shame on Tom Scarice and the Westport Board of Education.
Congratulations to both coaches.
Well said, Robert.
A sad poetic end for the coaches- validation and coaching positions at a nearby respected rival program.
An unnecessary wound to the Staples soccer players and program who backed their coaches all the way and whose voices were ignored.
A terrible mismanagement by all levels of administration from the athletic director who started this imbroglio to the superintendent and board who couldn’t see the way to correct this travesty.
Wishing Russ and Chris good luck & great success! Thank you both for all you have done for our family over the years. You will always have our support!
Donald J Scarice …..now that will stick
Couldn’t sum him up in any better way !
Dan – I understand court case has been removed to Federal court. Any link to that?
Maybe they can get Judge Jeannine to take their case. Tom Homan can handle security. JD Vance can prosecute. If they lose they can quit the Andrew Warde gigs and start a blog. Westport has multiple zip codes so naming rights won’t be problematic. Maybe Dan can provide courtroom coverage.
Bill, good call. It thought it was filed in Stamford Superior Court, but here it is in Federal
Filing 1 NOTICE OF REMOVAL by Westport Board of Education from Stamford Superior Court, case number FST-CV25-6074601-S. Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ACTDC-8238127, filed by Westport Board of Education.(Ryan, Claire)
https://dockets.justia.com/docket/connecticut/ctdce/3:2025cv01145/165942
It was originally filed in Stamford Superior Court. Board of Ed attorney had it switched to federal court in Bridgeport.