Updated Mar 13, 2020; Posted Mar 13, 2020
By Eric F. Epler | eepler@pennlive.com
John Denniston figured the timing was right to become a head football coach at the varsity level.
The Mechanicsburg native will begin in that capacity at a most unusual time in scholastic sports.
Denniston gained board approval last week to lead the football program at East Pennsboro Area High School, ending a near four-month search to replace veteran Todd Stuter.
East Pennsboro opened the position in November following a tumultuous 3-7 campaign, Stuter’s 22nd as head coach.
Denniston, who played under George Yeager at Trinity and later at Duquesne University, met with returning team members last week.
“We’ve got a very good group of kids, very diligent, and we’ve been able to implement a weight training program,” Denniston said.
“They already had something in place, but to be in the weight room with them it’s been great. The community has been very accepting and I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.”
Denniston said he’s well aware that preparations for the rapidly approaching 2020 season could be altered sharply in the days ahead.
Pa. high schools are beginning to alter class schedules, or move to online classes only, under the threat of the novel coronavirus.
On Thursday, PIAA officials suspended the boys and girls basketball tournaments, as well as the Class 2A swimming championship meet, for at least two weeks.
The start of the PIAA spring sports season could be delayed, or canceled, as well.
“It seems to be changing day by day,” Denniston said. “As of today, we are full steam ahead. If changes are made, we’ll look at our best option to continue.”
Denniston comes to the Panthers after a long stint directing the Central Dauphin Rams Youth Football program.
The health care consultant, who has worked for Rite Aid Corporation and York International, initially got “more and more involved” with the former Linglestown Colts franchise when the middle of his three sons started playing.
Now, the midget program effectively operates as a middle school program for Central Dauphin, exactly the goal for Denniston and Rams’ head coach Glen McNamee.
“It’s a program that’s been pretty successful, but it was a real priority for Coach Mac, to closely link the programs,” Denniston said.
“That’s really been the fruits of the last 20 years. I’ve really been spoiled by how many terrific coaches I’ve worked with.”
Hopefully, Denniston and other area coaches will get to properly evaluate their players as soon as possible. Only then will East Pennsboro’s new leader select and tighten his schemes.
“Yes, we’ll let the talent dictate what we do. Things like ball control will be very important,” said Denniston.
“I think there is a very good crop of returning players. I think we’re got a pretty good playbook and it’s pretty broad. We’ve got some size coming back and we’ve got some experience.”
Denniston also has some continuity built in as longtime assistant coaches Joe Shermeyer (DC), Tom Couch (OL), Teddy Matter (DL), Steve Morgan and JV coach Greg Campbell are set to return.