By Alexa Willrich, Staff Reporter
After two interviews and careful deliberation, Scott Gee became the new head coach of the Conestoga football team.
Gee assumed the position after former coach Matt Diamond announced his retirement in late December. Diamond retired after 19 years as part of the Conestoga football program and six years as head coach. Gee coached football at Wallenpaupack Area High School for six years and Octorara Area High School for four years and was the defensive coordinator at Kennett High School for five years. Gee is also a certified strength and conditioning coach.
“I’m always there to support (Gee) and the kids in the program. I wish him nothing but the best and look forward to seeing Conestoga have continued success,” Diamond said.
Fifteen candidates applied for the position of head coach and went through a screening process. The applicants that advanced past the screening process received an interview with a selection committee. If the selection committee approved them, applicants had an additional interview with principal Dr. Amy Meisinger. Once Meisinger approved the coach, they were sent to the board for approval. The selection committee was looking for someone who was organized, knowledgeable, understood the history of Conestoga football and knew the demands of being a head coach.
“Even before we met him, on paper, his resume was one that definitely drew attention and one where I was like, ‘I definitely want to meet this guy,’” athletic director Kevin Pechin said.
Gee had a meeting with the football team and parents on March 19 where he talked about his attitude on work ethic and preparation for the season. Gee also wants to get the team involved in the community with volunteer opportunities. Gee has been hosting lifting practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday for athletes in the off season, to give him a chance to get to know the players better.
“In the weight room, it is much more hands-on, and (Gee’s) always there to help and show you what to do if you don’t know what to do or talk to kids in the weight room,” said sophomore football player Aidan Smith.
Along with the lifting sessions, Gee will hold nine spring practices before the end of the school year. Over the summer, there will be more lifting sessions and 7v7 games that the team will participate in until camp starts in August.
“I want as many guys that are willing to come out, (and) do the work to be involved and be part of the program as possible,” Gee said. “Everything I want to do works better if we have more people.”
Alexa Willrich can be reached at [email protected].
