Saratoga boy’s varsity lacrosse coach Jon Warner has been suspended from his duties as head coach, according to the school following a meeting with the school district on Wednesday afternoon.
Warner was suspended last week for using inappropriate language with the team, and did not coach the team’s April 27th win over Albany, an April 29th loss versus Shenendehowa or Saratoga’s May 3rd win over Troy.
“This is an unfortunate situation for all involved,” Saratoga superintendent Michael Piccirillo said in an official statement. “We hold all of our employees and students to high standards of behavior, and they are held accountable when they fail to meet those standards.”
Saratoga athletic director Peter Sheehan did not respond to an email requesting comment.
Warner is in his sixth year at the helm of the varsity lacrosse team, and has a 31-62 record in his tenure. Saratoga is 5-6 this season.
Assistant coaches Joe Hayes and Mark Ventra have been named the co-interim head coaches, and it is not known when or if Warner will return,
He is also a science teacher at the school, but the district has said that the suspension will not effect his teaching duties.
Warner becomes the third Saratoga coach in just four years to be suspended for coaching violations.
In 2013, varsity boys’ basketball coach Jack Brock was suspended for using inappropriate language with the team. He missed four games before returning to coach one sectional game. He did not return for the 2013-2014 season, and was replaced by current head coach Matt Usher.
In 2015, varsity baseball coach Dean Bailey was relieved of his duties for the rest of the season after a loud, critical post-game talk after a loss. He did not return this spring, and was replaced by Andy Cuthbertson.
