Carlynton Football Coach Says He Resigned Over Player Injury Concerns

ROSSLYN FARMS (KDKA) - A local high school football coach resigned Monday morning, citing safety concerns for his team.

Mauro Monz worked as the football coach at Carlynton Junior-Senior High School.

"I don't ever remember anyone quitting, resigning three games into the season and three games into their first season. It's unheard of," says Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat writer Mike White.

White has covered high school football for more than 30 years.

"When you know as a coach, you're always telling them hang in there, fight, we're never going to give up, we're never going to give up, and after three games you walk away," says White.

Reached by phone Tuesday afternoon, Monz told KDKA's John Shumway that Carlynton's move up to Class AA has resulted in excessive injuries.

Monz: "I just can't be a part of that. We're just struggling to field a team."

Shumway: "So you're saying it's unsafe for the Carlyton football team to take the field?"

Monz: "Yes, I recommended they play a JV schedule the rest of the season."

It was only recently Monz found out Carylnton has the smallest enrollment in AA.

"That was a factor on Aug. 11 when you stepped onto the practice field, and I can't image why all the sudden after three weeks that it's become now all the sudden an issue," said Tim O'Malley, of the WPIAL.

O'Malley says Carlyton didn't ask to play AA, it's just where the line fell.

As for the higher classification resulting injuries, O'Malley says, "Nobody likes to see anyone get hurt, but again, that's never been raised before."

Carlyton has been outscored 121-40 in the first three games.

"We've been mercy ruled in two games that we played," said Monz. "So we're two-for-two in mercy rules and I'm a pretty good coach."

He later said he was certain if he finished the season 0-9 he'd be fired. So he's taking a stand for the safety of his kids.

Principal Michael Loughren says the team is anxious to play on and they have the full support of the school.

"I wish Coach Monz the best, but we're moving on, and we're moving on to great things," said Loughren. "Carlyton is a great place and a lot of people are going to hear great things about it probably starting on Friday against Quaker Valley."

In a statement, Loughren said, "We do not have a football situation. It's a personal matter." He added, "He's entitled to his own opinions. His decision to resign is his own, and we're excited about moving forward to a successful season. We believe in our kids and we have coaches who will move up. We wish him the best."

Monz was just starting his first season at Carlynton. He used to work as an assistant coach at Youngstown State, Duquesne, Robert Morris, Akron and Pitt.

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