Archdiocese Yanks O'hara Football Coach

By Aaron Carter
Philadelphia Daily News
November 7, 2014

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/high_school/20141107_Archdiocese_yanks_O_Hara_football_coach.html

THE CARDINAL O'HARA football program will be without its interim head coach today when the Lions face top-seeded Archbishop Wood in the Catholic League AAA semifinals.

Paul Strus, who took over after longtime O'Hara coach Danny Algeo died from a heart attack in July, has been placed on administrative leave, according to an email sent to the Daily News from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

"The interim head football coach at Cardinal O'Hara High School was placed on leave based on concerns that were voiced to school administration regarding his professional behavior," Ken Gavin, director of communications for the Archdiocese wrote in an email. "That matter is being looked into at this time and his status is pending the outcome."

Strus, who has coached for 27 years at various Catholic League schools, was reached via phone but declined to comment on specifics.

He is not a teacher at O'Hara and hadn't applied for the permanent coaching position, saying his only goal was to help the program successfully transition after Algeo's death.

Strus said he met with school officials yesterday morning and is awaiting their decision.

"I want to respect the process that this matter is being looked into," Strus said, "and I look for a favorable outcome."

The fourth-seeded Lions (1-8, 1-3) face host Archbishop Wood (8-1, 4-0) at 7 p.m. John Ward, O'Hara's offensive coordinator, will handle the head-coaching duties.