Simcoe, other coaches say farewell

Paul Simcoe

Coach Paul Simcoe bowed out with style during last week's annual Coudersport Sports Boosters Banquet, held at the Coudersport Consistory Auditorium.

A pending inductee to the Pa. High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, Simcoe thanked the community, students and administration for their support of the football program during the 34 years he was involved.

"I'll be around," he assured the underclassmen from his 2007 team. "But this time, I'll be rooting for you from the stands instead of the sidelines - letting you know that I believe in you to be the very best that you can be."

Simcoe received a standing ovation after his presentation. He and long-time assistants Tom Russell and Dan Kightlinger Jr. decided to step down upon Simcoe's retirement as a physical education and driver education teacher. Brendan Hathaway, former assistant, has been named head football coach.

Last week's banquet was also the swan song for three other varsity coaches. Chris Fink is taking a break after a successful run as boys' basketball coach. He left the door open to return to coaching in future years, after his young children are grown.

Boys' golf coach Jim Wilkinson and girls' golf coach Gary Francis also said farewell. Each has enjoyed considerable success over the years.

Boosters Club officer Annette Buckler pointed out that the organization dates back almost 50 years, supporting the school's sports program in partnership with the school district, parents and the community.

She recognized some of the club's long-time volunteers, including Pam Sprouse, Steve and Georgia Cary, Lonnie Bunch and Shari Anderson.

Booster Club scholarships were presented to collegebound seniors Colton Corey and Kristy Kamper, while the Rotary Awards for outstanding senior athletes went to Derek Burdick and Kristy Kamper and Jessica Wilson (tie).

Spirit Awards went to seniors Burdick and Wilson, juniors Eric Babcock and Karli Duffee, and sophomores Jordan Barnett and Emily Giannotti.

Buckler pointed out that the Booster Club needs additional volunteers for the 2008-09 school year.