Simcoe may be back next season
Coudersport coach will decide soon

Paul Simcoe

Paul Simcoe is more than a teacher, more than a coach. He is an inspirational leader and a role model.

If there was any doubt about how the Coudersport community, as well as his players and their families, feel about the veteran educator and football coach, it was removed during the annual Football Boosters Banquet.

On a night that was supposed to include a farewell address to mark Simcoe's retirement, the popular coach admitted that he is reconsidering and may return for another season.

"I'll be deciding soon," he told the gathering at American Legion Post 192. "It's a very hard decision to make."

Last summer, Simcoe said he planned to walk away from coaching as he also retired as a physical education and driver education teacher. To mark his 200th career victory, dozens of men who had played for Simcoe during his tenure at Coudersport congregated on the field, forming a tunnel through which he walked, exchanging handshakes, hugs and high-fives.

Simcoe, a graduate of Troy High School in Bradford County, arrived in Coudersport in 1973 after a standout career at Lock Haven University. He served as an assistant football coach until taking over as head coach in 1979.

His career record is 204-78-8. Along the way, his teams have won four PIAA District 9 titles and qualified for the state's Class A final four in 2005.

Simcoe and his wife, the former Pam Gooch, have three grown children. Their son, Ross, was a starting linebacker at Allegheny College.

At this year's banquet, sophomore Dirk Cowburn was named most valuable player. Brian Wetzel was recognized as offensive player of the year. Other awards went to Adam Foust, defensive player of the year, and Evan Abplanalp, lineman of the year.