Former Affton Teacher Speaks up for Coach Art Hill

Don Bertram, a friend of retired Affton High School teacher and coach, John Pessina, emailed the following to Patch for Pessina. Bertram said Pessina doesn’t use computers or email.

Pessina gave his letter the title, “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished.”

Recently I attended an Affton High School football game. Upon entering the complex, I immediately began a visual search for Affton’s only Missouri Hall of Fame member, Art Hill. He was nowhere to be found. Surely there was an explanation; so I inquired as to what it might be. The answer is incredulous.

Last Spring Mr. Hill who has been volunteering his services for the past few years, was asked to speak with Dr. Jackson, Principal, and Dr. Brotherton, Superintendent, regarding the football program. The meeting was to carry no repercussions; just candid, honest conversation about the state of the football program. Well, last summer Mr. Hill was informed his volunteer services would no longer be needed or welcomed.

As a former teacher and assistant football coach at Affton High school, I am ashamed of this action and treatment of such a fine coach and gentleman.

Since I have retired and am not an Affton resident; my response options are limited. You however have a voice! Contact a School Board member . . . and do something for Coach Art Hill and the Affton student athletes. Express your concerns about the treatment of this outstanding man, and the manner in which the administration handled his volunteer contributions to Affton High School football.

Respectfully, John Pessina, Former AHS Teacher and Assistant Football Coach

Editor’s note: Hill was inducted into the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003.