SIMCOE 'SHARES' HALL OF FAME HONOR

Paul Simcoe was inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame last week at a ceremony held in Hershey.

A plaque and a ring recognizing the high honor was presented by long-time Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno.

With typical modesty and class, Simcoe deflected the credit for his success as Coudersport High School football coach to others.

"This is really an honor for the program, the administration and the community of Coudersport," he said. "Whatever we achieved over the years really was a team effort."

He also thanked his wife of 30 years, the former Pam Gooch, and their three children for supporting his passion for high school football.

In 29 years as head coach, Simcoe amassed a final record of 204-78-8. He was the only coach in PIAA District 9 football history to win more than 200 games. Under Simcoe's guidance, Coudersport brought home four D9 titles, two Allegheny Mountain League championships, and made four trips to the state playoffs.

The Falcons once reached the state's final four and twice qualified for the elite eight.

Before being named head coach, Simcoe served as an assistant to Earl Brown in the 1970s.

A native of Troy, Simcoe was a standout football player in high school and college before he turned his attention to teaching and coaching. He has also retired last month as a health and physical education and driver education teacher at Coudersport.

Long-time assistant Tom Russell, defensive coordinator, and another veteran assistant, Dan Kightlinger Jr., are also leaving the staff.

Assistant coach Brendan Hathaway, who came aboard in 2006, will take over as head coach. Trevor Saulter and Scott Robinson will remain on as assistants. Former Falcon players Dan Counts, Mike Russell and John Gerhart will round out Hathaway's coaching staff.