Pillow Academy is not brining back coaches Alex and Lubov Tsema next year, and they aren't satisfied with the reason they were given for the decision by the school.
"It was very unexpected and confusing," Alex said.
The Russian couple has worked the last nine years at Pillow. Alex is the head track and boys soccer coach, while Lubov assists in track and is head coach of the crosscountry team. They both have worked in strength and conditioning with PA athletes during their tenure at the school.
"We were told our contracts were not being renewed for financial reasons, but we believe it's something personal," Alex said. "We just want an explanation, and we haven't gotten one."
"We won state and North championships in crosscountry and had several track athletes set state records during our time here," Lubov said. "A lot of the kids we work with are upset and say this isn't fair."
Pillow headmaster Termie Land said he does not comment on personnel issues, but he did say the school would be hiring two new coaches - one to replace the Tsemas and one more to fill the void in football after the abrupt resignation of Bart Jenkins on Jan. 26. Jenkins worked with defensive backs and wide receivers and was also the head baseball coach.
Tim Burton was recently promoted from assistant coach to fill Jenkins' spot as head baseball coach.
Land said some of the coaching duties of the Tsemas would probably be handled by other coaches already on staff.
Asked Friday if the school had hired any new coaches yet, Land said "none that I am ready to announce at this time."
The Pillow contracts for the Tsemas expire June 30. They said they currently have no job leads.
