My colleague and top-notch journalist Jim Seip broke this story a few minutes ago: William Penn football coach Matt Ortega (above) is leaving to take the helm at Coatseville.
Who would make a good replacement for Ortega?
There aren't any names that immediately come to my mind. William Penn is a different situation than most other schools in the area and requires a different type of coach.
Ortega was able to both connect with his players and earn their trust. He was able to increase interest in the program and convince talented athletes (like UConn-bound receiver Malik Generett, who only played basketball before talking to Ortega) to give football a try. The new coach will have to be able to do similar things in order to succeed in the city of York.
Anybody have any thoughts on who would be a good fit for the William Penn football program?
Congratulations to Matt and his family. I think the person to continue the success of the York High program is already in the program. Coach John Knowles who has worked with Matt over the last couple of years has the respect of the players and a strong work ethic. John is all about the kids!!!!!!!! I know first hand.
I think Coach John Knowles would also be a good canidate. I have heard alot of great things about him from the players and coaches. Whoever succedds Ortega already has the blueprint now they can make some tweaks here and there and run with it.
Only one name comes to mind to replace Ortega.... RON MILLER!
I played for Coach Ortega and he was a great coach. . The one stat that stuck out in my mind that I saw over the past few years were the rushing yards...this is a direct correlation to the offensive line coach. John Knowles was the offensive line coach during this time period, and he was the former head coach of Suburban high school. To me, I see no other candidate that would do a better job with this program. He already has a relationship with the player, and from what I have heard all the players like him. If York High wants to continue their success, the best person would be John Knowles. Hopefully they make the right decision. GOOD LUCK BEARCATS!!!! I'll be watching
I played for Coach Ortega and he was a great coach. . The one stat that stuck out in my mind that I saw over the past few years were the rushing yards...this is a direct correlation to the offensive line coach. John Knowles was the offensive line coach during this time period, and he was the former head coach of Suburban high school. To me, I see no other candidate that would do a better job with this program. He already has a relationship with the player, and from what I have heard all the players like him. If York High wants to continue their success, the best person would be John Knowles. Hopefully they make the right decision. GOOD LUCK BEARCATS!!!! I'll be watching
There is NO contest between choosing Knowles or Miller - Miller is one of the best coaches these parts have seen in a LONG time.
If WP has a chance at getting Miller - which I don't think they do, but who knows - they will never forgive themselves if they don't go after him full-bore. Only a matter of time before a Harrisburg or other "big" school comes a-knocking and York High will be left with "what-ifs".
Gonna cost York plenty to get him, but if the "price" is right, you might be able to pull him away from WY - I'm sure he is not against listening to offers...
the whole central york football staff
coach Knowles is already long gone if i,m correct??
yea right
gone for sure