Cactus Shadows is not renewing Gaetano Gianni's baseball coaching contract, putting an end to a 15-year run at the school.
Cave Creek Cactus Shadows has decided not to renew Gaetano Gianni's baseball coaching contract, putting an end to a 15-year run at the school.
The school sent a letter to the baseball families on Aug. 25, stating, "Effective immediately, Coach Gianni will no longer be part of the Falcon baseball program."
Gianni, who led Scottsdale Notre Dame's program before coming to Cactus Shadows 15 years ago, has won more than 500 games in his high school coaching career that began in Illinois. He has more than 400 wins during his time coaching in Arizona, with more than 200 coming at Cactus Shadows.
Gianni has not returned a message from The Arizona Republic.
The Republic obtained a letter Gianni wrote to Cactus Shadows baseball parents and players, stating this move by the administration came as a surprise.
"I do not know the true motivations behind this, however, the stated reasons are mainly due to disagreements around field usage and the protocols around reserving and allowing access to Falcons Field," Gianni wrote in the letter. "I firmly believe in welcoming back our Forever Falcons and local professional players to the field. However, district protocols do not support this. It is a critical means to building our unique Cactus Shadows family and culture."
Cactus Shadows Athletic Director Rob Gilmore was asked by The Republic in an email about the disagreement with protocols and usage of the field by alumni and local pros.
He sent a copy of the letter that was sent to the baseball families on Monday, late afternoon, Aug. 25.
In part, it read, "While decisions like this is never easy, please know that it was made after thoughtful consideration."
"What we can assure you is that our priority remains the well-being of students, the integrity of our CCUSD programs, and ensuring that we provide the best possible environment for growth, both in and out of the classroom," the letter reads. "We are committed to maintaining a strong baseball program and will work diligently to ensure continuity and support for our student-athletes during this transition."
Parents are upset about this decision, prompting Ginger Rough to start an online petition to try to get Gianni reinstated. Rough has a freshman son in the program who was part of the Junior Falcons feeder program prior to that for three years.
The petition, in part, states: "Under Coach Gianni’s guidance, the Cactus Shadows High School baseball program has flourished, showcasing not only exceptional skill but also exemplary sportsmanship. His dedication to the team extends beyond victories; he is known for mentoring students, improving their capabilities both as athletes and individuals, and preparing them for future challenges in life and sports."
The head coaching position was posted on the school district's online system and will remain open for a minimum of five days, the letter says. Cactus Shadows envisions having a new head coach hired by mid-September. It states that student-athletes and parents will be part of the hiring committee. There will be no freshman fall ball to ensure the school has the right fit to lead the program.
Cactus Shadows went 22-4-1 last season, playing in 4A, losing to Gilbert Mesquite 13-10 in eight innings in the first round of the state playoffs.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cactus Shadows parts with baseball coach Gaetano Gianni
Category: General Sports
