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For a good part of the last half century, Coudersport has had one of the most respected football coaches in the state. Coach Paul Simcoe has accomplished almost everything possible there is to accomplish as a high school football coach. Winning multiple District 9 and AML titles and qualifying for the state playoffs on numerous occasions. He also is a part of the 200 win club as of the 2007 season. With his career glistening with these achievements, Coach Simcoe officially announced that he will step down as the head football coach of the Falcons. For the people of the community it is a sad thought not having "Iron Paul" on the sidelines, but it was time to hang it up. The anticipation of Coach Simcoe's retirement has been dramatic especially within these past few years. After having two back to back 13-1 seasons, many figured he would end on that note. I mean those two years were two of Coudy's most successful ever so it seemed perfect. But he couldn't do it; he came back for one more. Finally after the 2007 season, he sadly stepped aside.
With this brilliant career coming to an end it allowed the up and coming, defensive blitz mastermind Mr. Brendan Hathaway to fill the spot. Coach Hathaway has been a part of the Coudersport program for a few years and seems to have a good relationship with the team already. He is young being only 29, but he brings a flare to the game. He has not been out of the game for too long playing in college and high school so he has a firm grasp on today's game, and the new systems that are coming into style in high school football. He has a Marine background so the disciplining of the players and the amount of respect he will expect them to show to the community and to their fellow teammates, should not be a problem. When asked how excited he was about being Coudersport's new head coach he had this to say. "I am very excited to be able to carry on the tradition here at Coudersport, you know I have always respected what Coach Simcoe has done here, and it's a great opportunity to continue with the program's success." Coach Hathaway also said this when asked what his expectations were for this year. "I'd have to say that we have a pretty experienced senior class this year, and we have some sophomores that played coming back and I really think if they work hard and play up to their ability I think we can do some good things this year. But like I said, it will all be on how hard the kids work and how bad they want it." The last and final question Coach Hathaway was asked was, "How much will you personally miss Coach Simcoe?" He said, "I will miss Coach Simcoe, you know I think all of us will miss him. He has forgotten more about football than any of us know, I have learned so much from him, so his presence is going to be missed greatly!" Being a former player under Coach Hathaway, I feel he is a wonderful fit to fill the big shoes left from Coach Simcoe. He possesses all of the qualities needed to lead Coudersport into the future, and keep the classiness and winning tradition alive!
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