Esposito relieved of duties as football, track coach at Paloma

Bert Esposito, head football coach at Paloma Valley High School for 13 years, has been relieved of his duties. Menifee 24/7 file photo

Bert Esposito, relieved of his duties as head football and track coach at Paloma Valley High School on Thursday, said Friday night he was dismissed by school district officials following an investigation but was not given a reason for the firing or specifics of any allegations against him.

Esposito had served as head varsity football coach at Paloma Valley for 13 years, compiling an 87-59 record and coaching the Wildcats to a 9-2 record last season. Esposito was replaced as head track coach in mid-season, again with no explanation, he said.

"All I know is, they've done their investigation and obviously there's nothing illegal because I'm not being charged with anything, I'm still teaching, there's nothing in my file..." Esposito told Menifee 24/7. "I guess they just came to the conclusion that it's better that I don't coach there anymore.

"In 13 years at the school, I've never had any issues, any discussions, nothing. They just called me into the district office and asked me a bunch of questions. There were two people there from an outside company -- a consulting or accounting firm or something. I don't really know. They just said they were on a fact finding mission. They brought in other people to answer questions, too. Other coaches and teachers, I guess. But we were never given a reason (for the investigation)."

"I just kind of feel like someone didn't want me there anymore."

Candace Reines, assistant superintendent for the Perris Union High School District, told Menifee 24/7 that Esposito remains a teacher in good standing at the school but confirmed that he was released from his football and track coaching positions.

Citing personnel confidentiality issues, Reines wouldn't give specifics of the investigation or of any allegations made against Esposito. When asked whether he was accused of any misconduct, she replied, "There was an investigation conducted and there was no misconduct of a sexual or physical nature. That's all I can say."

Esposito's dismissal is the third announced departure of a top athletic official or administrator in the last two months. In mid-February, head varsity basketball coach Michael Pfeiffer (left) was placed on administrative leave from that position. At the time, district superintendent Grant Bennett said the investigation was prompted by complaints by some parents and players. Sources told Menifee 24/7 the allegations were that Pfeiffer verbally and physically abused players.

Menifee 24/7 learned Friday that the investigation of Pfeiffer was recently completed and that he has been removed as basketball coach, although neither the school nor the district made an official announcement. Reines confirmed Friday that Pfeiffer has been replaced by assistant coach Craig Anderson as head coach, but that he remains in his position as athletic director. Specifics of Pfeiffer's dismissal were not given.

And in mid-March, principal Don Williamson (right) announced he is resigning at the end of the school year. Williamson, a district employee for 14 years, told Menifee 24/7 he was "looking for new challenges." Williamson denied that he was asked to resign. He will be replaced by assistant principal Jennifer Thomasian.

Reines said there was "not a connection" with the three departures or dismissals. Some aren't so sure, however.

Steve Bowden is a long-time supporter of Paloma Valley athletics who has coached several Wildcat athletes on travel ball teams and plays basketball regularly with some of them at a local gym.

"Everybody's asking me, 'What's going on at that school? I don't want to send my kid there anymore,' " Bowden said. "Why didn't they tell anybody about the outcome with Pfeiffer? They still haven't told any of the parents who filed the complaint. One of the players just told me, 'Hey, we got a new coach.'

"It's really bad for the kids. You've got people who are coming here saying, 'Hey, should I take my son or my daughter there?' "

Esposito agreed that the multiple personnel changes at key positions is disturbing.

"There's something going on at the district office where they're cleaning house," he said. "I don't know what it's all about. You can see it. The principal's out, Pfeiffer's out ... Who knows? There might be more coming."

Esposito was asked what his response was when told Thursday he was being dismissed as coach.

"I didn't say anything. I had my site rep with me," said Esposito, referring to the other teacher who traditionally attends such meetings as sort of a union representative. "His question to them was, 'Is this a legal matter or will it affect his teaching?' They said absolutely not, it's just about coaching.

"My teaching job is fine. As far as coaching goes, I don't know. It just happened. Right now, I don't really feel like coaching anymore because I can't believe it happened. But it happens to everybody at some time or another.

"Actually, I'm kind of relieved. I've always felt some looming presence was going to get me someday there. I never felt fully supported there."

Assistant coach Ryan Sharp will finish out the season as head boys track coach, Reines said. Juan Merida, one of Esposito's top football assistants, will supervise the football program during spring workouts and over the summer or until such time as a permanent replacement is found.