THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 19, 1996 TAG: 9604170144
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Joe Ladisic, who recently underwent surgery for the removal of a tumor from his colon, has informed officials at Wilson High School that he will not be able to coach football in the fall.
Ladisic recently turned over his chores as head baseball coach to former junior varsity coach Billy Kline.
Ladisic has met with a cancer specialist to determine his next treatment. He is single and his parents have come from Pittsburgh to be with him.
Coaches, teachers and students at Wilson are setting up fund-raising projects to help the 34-year-old Ladisic meet mounting medical expenses.
They will assist in two bingo nights at Victory Bingo. The proceeds from midnight bingo on Saturday and on May 11 will be given to the coach.
The PTA will sponsor a barbecue dinner, tentatively scheduled for May 17.
A school dance is being planned.
Contributions also can be made to the Joe Ladisic Fund, which is being handled by the Signet Bank branch at Portsmouth Boulevard and Elmhurst Lane. Checks will be accepted at Wilson High School.
Ladisic was an assistant coach to Darnell Moore at Wilson for 10 years, starting out in a volunteer position. When Moore left for Norfolk State, Ladisic succeeded him for a year.
When Wilson and Manor were merged the following year, Ladisic joined Jenson Baker's staff. And when Baker took a spot on Moore's Norfolk State staff, Ladisic again became head coach of the Presidents.
A native of Cokesburg, Pa., and a graduate of California (Pa.) University, Ladisic began his coaching career at Wilson.
Hopefully, one report I have heard is incorrect or might be subject for reconsideration.
Ladisic is now out on disability leave and has used up all his sick time.
Faculty members have offered to give up time they have accumulated in his behalf. I was told a decision had been made not to allow it.
It has been done in neighboring cities, why not Portsmouth? Actually, it's a gift from his fellow teachers and coaches and costs the city only what it must eventually spend anyway.
School Board members said they have not discussed this.
Wilson will be advertising the open football position in the near future. Applications then will be received.
Interviews with candidates will be held before the end of this school year. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Joe Ladisic
by CNB