One ill-advised word = three-game suspension.
That's the result of the recent PIAA Class AAA baseball semifinal involving Ss. Neumann-Goretti and Lampeter-Strasburg.
After that game, won by L-S, 2-1, N-G coach Mike Zolk, irate over the outcome of three crucial calls, accused the umpires of cheating.
The PIAA wasn't too happy. Patricia Sticco, N-G's principal, was asked to investigate the situation and provide her findings. Additionally, she was given the chance to handle the matter internally.
Pat DiPilla, N-G's athletic director, said Friday that Zolk is facing disciplinary action for the 2013 season. He declined to provide specifics, saying the matter is "private and personal." He did add that the punishment has been approved by PIAA honchos.
A source with knowledge of the situation said Zolk will miss the first three games.
Zolk declined to comment.
N-G's fans were also a problem that day, and local police were summoned to Spring-Ford's stadium.
DiPilla said that during the 2012-13 school year, he will lecture fans of every N-G sport on the value of sportsmanship and the need to follow the PIAA's code of conduct.
- Ted Silary
