Students rally to support fired Kennebecasis Valley football coach

The football community in the Saint John area — and beyond — is rallying behind the fired coach of the Kennebecasis Valley High School football team. 

Earlier this week, Mike Mangusso informed football families that he had been released from his duties as head coach. He said the school in Quispamsis decided to "go in a different direction."

Parents and players — current and past — are shocked and speaking out about Mangusso's firing. 

Will Warman, a Grade 11 student at KVHS and one of the football team's captains last year, said Mangusso not only made him a better football player, he made him a better person.

He said Mangusso was more than a coach. He was a mentor and father figure to a lot of the players and encouraged them to be better people. 

"He inspired me to be a better man and go to class on time, get my grades up," Will said.

He also said Mangusso expected players to give back to their community. The team raised money for people in need and even raked leaves at a local community centre. 

Will said he found out about Mangusso's firing on Tuesday after writing an exam. 

He said players are feeling "a bit lost" about what they can do. He said they want their coach back and want those in authority to know that. 

"We're the players. We should have a say on who does that for us."

He said students are planning a walkout and peaceful protest to show their opposition to the decision. He said no date and time have yet been set, but they're already receiving support from players from other schools. 

Will wrote to several education officials asking for Mangusso to be reinstated. 

"Not only has Mike grown the program at KVHS but he has made the players better students, better people, better athletes and overall better men."