A critical Tweet from a Wayne Valley High School football assistant coach towards Rutgers football isn’t reflective of the school’s feelings towards the program, head coach Roger Kotlarz said.
In an interview Tuesday night with NJ Advance Media, Kotlarz said he apologized to Rutgers coach Chris Ash for the social media words of Wayne Valley offensive coordinator Eddie Suri, who asserted that Rutgers has less talent than some FCS (Division I-AA) programs.
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The Tweet read: “Rutgers better hope they can out coach some of their opponents, there are teams in the CAA with more talent. #OpinionsAreAllMyOwn” Suri later deleted the post and several others that followed and did not return a voicemail from NJ Advance Media.
Ryan Dunleavy | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
“I sent a letter to Coach Ash earlier today and we have spoken,” Kotlarz said. “The conversation went really well. I have a lot of respect for Coach Ash for taking the time. His only concern was, ‘Did we do something wrong to upset you or your staff?’ The answer is no.”
Kotlarz said he was in a booster club meeting when he first heard about the Tweet. He also received a phone call from Rutgers director of high school relations Rick Mantz.
By that time, the Tweet already had created a social media and message board firestorm among angry Rutgers fans, many of whom fired Superbahis back at Suri from their own accounts.
“I reached out to Coach Mantz and apologized for the comment,” Kotlarz said. “I was taken a back a little bit and somewhat upset with Eddie mainly because it doesn’t represent what our feeling is as a coaching staff, myself personally, our administration, our athletic director.
“I’m a huge supporter of Rutgers. I want to see nothing but the best for them. I think Coach Ash and his staff have done a terrific job, and I think the future is bright for them. I was upset that it reflected negatively upon our school and our program, but it’s not in line with our thoughts.”
Wayne Valley lost twice last season to rival Wayne Hills, including once in a thrilling NJSIAA North 1 Group IV final. Wayne Hills, which was banned from the NJSIAA playoffs and then reinstated, has three players expected to sign letters of intent to Rutgers on Wednesday for National Signing Day.
Five of Wayne Valley’s underclassmen attended Sunday’s Junior Day on campus, according to Kotlarz. None of them or any future player will be steered away from interest in Rutgers, the coach said.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “I would love to have a kid at Rutgers. There is no ill will or hard feelings. There is no reason for it.”
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Rutgers finished 2-10 last season as Ash began a rebuilding project. The Scarlet Knights have a consensus Top 45 nationally ranked 2017 recruiting class.
Kotlarz said he has had “lengthy discussions” with him Suri over the last two days.
“He was apologetic for his comments,” Kotlarz said. “He didn’t intend any ill will. He didn’t really think it through. It was written without realizing that it would affect so many people in a negative manner and upset so many people. It just wasn’t thought through.”
Ryan Dunleavy may be reached at rdunleavy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rydunleavy. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.
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