GREEN BAY, WI — The Oshkosh Area School District has terminated powerlifting coach Alex Del Vecchio, sparking concern that the district’s youth powerlifting program could disappear.
Coach’s criticism and dismissal
On September 10, Del Vecchio used his personal social‑media account to voice “profound disappointment” over how the district responded to an incident involving his son, who he says felt unsupported because of “the lack of effective intervention.” He later met with district administrators to discuss the matter.
According to Del Vecchio, the district called him the following Tuesday to inform him that he was being fired. The district cited the coach’s post, saying it “brought a negative light on the school district, and they no longer needed [him] as a coach in their district.”
Parents and community reaction
Several parents have publicly objected to the decision. Mitchell Wolfgram said, “I don’t think he should have been removed from the program. The school should have done more due diligence in uncovering what was happening there.” His sister, Jamie Wolfgram, added, “I have a freshman now who isn’t going to be able to powerlift, who is devastated because that’s what he wanted to do next, because his big brother did it.”
Del Vecchio, who revived the powerlifting program in 2023 after a decade‑long hiatus, emphasized the impact on students. “I’ve put hundreds of hours into building this program for these kids to show them that they can be strong, that they can do whatever they put their mind to, to show them that they can be future leaders,” he said, describing the potential loss as “just heartbreaking.”
Program at risk
The program typically enrolls 20‑30 athletes, offering a structured environment for strength training and mentorship. With the coach’s dismissal, the district has not indicated a plan to replace him, leading many to believe the program may fold.
The district declined to comment on personnel matters, citing standard policy.
What’s next for the students?
Parents and supporters are urging the district to reconsider the termination and to find a qualified replacement so the program can continue serving local youth. They argue that the loss of a safe, disciplined athletic outlet could have broader implications for student development and community cohesion.
As the situation develops, families hope the district will prioritize the interests of the students over reputational concerns, ensuring that the powerlifting program—once a beacon of strength and leadership for Oshkosh’s young athletes—remains a viable option.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
