North Schuylkill Coaching History
- nssite8
- Nov 22, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 14
North Schuylkill Football is steeped in tradition, with a legacy of championships, strong leadership, and a culture of resilience. The program's history reflects the hard work of its dedicated coaches and athletes, creating a winning identity that spans decades.
The Edward Wojciechowski Era (1966)
The North Schuylkill Spartans played their inaugural season in 1966, coached by Edward Wojciechowski from Frackville High School, finishing with a 4-6 record. This foundational year began the legacy of Spartan football, establishing rivalries and building the team’s identity.
The Robert Oravitz Era (1967–1975)
Robert Oravitz guided the Spartans for nine seasons, achieving consistent success. Notable highlights include: 1968: A 7-3 record, marking one of the team’s early standout seasons. 1974: The Spartans reached new heights with a 9-2 record, winning the Schuylkill County Conference Championship. Other strong seasons, such as 1967 (6-4) and 1975 (7-3-1), further solidified the program's competitive foundation.
The John Kashner Era (1976–1978)
During his tenure, John Kashner led the team through seasons of steady growth: 1977: A remarkable 8-2-1 record, showcasing the team's defensive strength and consistent performances against regional rivals.
The Barry Hackenberg Era (1979–1983)
Under Barry Hackenberg, the Spartans experienced both challenges and successes: 1980: A solid 6-4-1 season, marked by competitive play. 1982: A 5-6 season, the Spartans upset powerhouse Mount Carmel Area 28-27. The Red Tornadoes were coached by Pennsylvania Hall of Fame coach Joseph "Jazz" Diminick. This was the first time in school history that North Schuylkill beat Mount Carmel since the 1966 school jointure. 1983: Despite setbacks, the team earned a respectable 4-5-1 record, building on Hackenberg’s steady leadership.
The Robert Moyer Era (1984–1991)
Robert Moyer ushered in an era of success for North Schuylkill by highlighted. 1986: An outstanding 11-1 season record, culminated by winning the District XI Class AA Championship. This was the first 10 or more-win season in school history. 1987: The Spartans had an 8-3 season record and won the Schuylkill County Conference Championship. This was back-to-back seasons the Spartans beat Mount Carmel Area. Head Coach Robert Moyer was the only North Schuylkill coach to beat Joseph "Jazz' Diminick two times. 1988: The Spartans had an 8-4 season record and earned both the Schuylkill County League Championship, and the Eastern Conference South Division II-1 Championship. This further solidified the Spartans as a regional powerhouse.
The First Rick Geist Era (1993–1998)
Rick Geist began his first tenure as head coach in 1993, leading the Spartans through one of their most successful eras. Key highlights include: 1994: A stellar 11-1 season, winning the Eastern Conference Class AAA Championship. 1995: An incredible 11-2 season, crowned District XI Class AAA Champions. 1996: Another championship season, with a 10-3 record and the District XI Class AA Championship. 1997: A strong 7-4 record, demonstrating Geist’s ability to maintain a competitive edge.
The Robert Chesney Era (1999–2001)
Robert Chesney brought new energy to the Spartans, highlighted by: 1999: A standout 10-2 season, reaching the District 1/11 Class AAA Subregional Championship Game. Chesney’s leadership paved the way for a competitive period in the early 2000s.
The Transitional Years: Jeffrey Polinsky and Joseph Ruth (2002–2005)
During a challenging period, Jeffrey Polinsky (2002–2003) and Joseph Ruth (2004–2005) guided the Spartans through seasons of rebuilding. Their dedication laid the groundwork for the team’s resurgence under future leadership.
The Second Rick Geist Era (2006–2012)
Rick Geist returned to the helm in 2006, bringing renewed focus and success to the program. Key achievements during this period included: 2009: A legendary 13-1 season, securing both the District XI Class AA Championship and the Anthracite League Championship. 2010: Another dominant season with an 11-1 record, earning the District XI Class AAA Runner-Up and Anthracite Champions titles. 2011: A near-perfect 10-1 season, with continued dominance in the Anthracite League. In 2012, midway through the season, Rick Geist was suspended, and Glenn Geist stepped in as interim head coach. Glenn guided the Spartans to an Eastern Conference Class AA Championship, finishing the season with a 2-1 record under his leadership.
The Wally Hall Era (2013–Present)
Under Wally Hall, the Spartans have entered a golden age, achieving consistent success and numerous championships. Key highlights include: 2014: A stellar 11-1 season, earning the titles of District XI Class AAA Runner-Up and Anthracite League Champions. 2018–2021: A period of dominance, highlighted by District XI Class AAA Championships in 2018, 2020, and 2021. The 2020 season featured a perfect 8-0 record. 2024: Another strong season with an 8-4 record and a District XI Class AAA Runner-Up finish. Hall’s tenure has been defined by resilience and adaptability, with standout seasons like 2019 (10-2) and 2017 (8-3) continuing to build the program’s legacy.
Summary of North Schuylkill’s Legacy
North Schuylkill Football’s rich history is built on the efforts of its talented players and visionary coaches: Championship Titles: Multiple District XI Championships, Eastern Conference Titles, and League Championships over the decades. Resilience: Through periods of rebuilding and success, the Spartans have remained a cornerstone of high school football. Tradition of Excellence: Each coach, from Edward Wojciechowski to Wally Hall, has contributed to the program's enduring legacy. The Spartans’ tradition of success continues to inspire its players, fans, and community, ensuring that North Schuylkill Football remains a force in high school sports for generations to come.
Year | Season Record | Head Coach | Notes |
2024 | 8-4-0 | Wally Hall | District XI Class AAA Runner-Up |
2023 | 9-3-0 | Wally Hall | |
2022 | 10-3-0 | Wally Hall | District XI Class AAA Runner-Up, Schuylkill/Colonial Red Division Champions |
2021 | 10-2-0 | Wally Hall | District XI Class AAA Champions, Schuylkill/Colonial Red Division Champions |
2020 | 8-0-0 | Wally Hall | District XI Class AAA Champions, Schuylkill League Division I Champions |
2019 | 10-2-0 | Wally Hall | District XI Class AAA Runner-Up, Schuylkill League Division I Champions |
2018 | 11-2-0 | Wally Hall | District XI Class AAA Champions, Schuylkill League Division I Champions |
2017 | 8-3-0 | Wally Hall | |
2016 | 7-5-0 | Wally Hall | |
2015 | 6-5-0 | Wally Hall | |
2014 | 11-1-0 | Wally Hall | District XI Class AA Runner-Up & Anthracite Champions |
2013 | 9-3-0 | Wally Hall | Eastern Conference Class AA Runner-Up |
2012 | 2-1-0 | Glenn Geist | Eastern Conference Class AA Champions |
2012 | 7-2-0 | Rick Geist | |
2011 | 10-1-0 | Rick Geist | Anthracite League Champions |
2010 | 11-1-0 | Rick Geist | District XI Class AAA Runner-Up & Anthracite Champions |
2009 | 13-1-0 | Rick Geist | District XI Class AA Champions & Anthracite Champions |
2008 | 7-4-0 | Rick Geist | |
2007 | 0-10-0 | Rick Geist | |
2006 | 3-7-0 | Rick Geist | |
2005 | 2-8-0 | Joseph Ruth | |
2004 | 1-9-0 | Joseph Ruth | |
2003 | 0-10-0 | Jeffrey Polinsky | |
2002 | 0-10-0 | Jeffrey Polinsky | |
2001 | 3-7-0 | Robert Chesney | |
2000 | 4-6-0 | Robert Chesney | |
1999 | 10-2-0 | Robert Chesney | District 1/11 CLASS AAA Subregional Runner-Up |
1998 | 4-5-0 | Rick Geist | |
1997 | 7-4-0 | Rick Geist | |
1996 | 10-3-0 | Rick Geist | District XI Class AA Champions |
1995 | 11-2-0 | Rick Geist | District XI Class AAA Champions |
1994 | 11-1-0 | Rick Geist | Eastern Conference Class AAA Champions |
1993 | 6-4-1 | Rick Geist | |
1992 | 2-9-0 | Charles Troxell | |
1991 | 5-6-0 | Robert Moyer | |
1990 | 5-6-0 | Robert Moyer | |
1989 | 5-6-0 | Robert Moyer | |
1988 | 8-4-0 | Robert Moyer | Eastern Conference South Division II-1 Champions, Schuylkill County League Champions |
1987 | 8-3-0 | Robert Moyer | Schuylkill County Conference Champions |
1986 | 11-1-0 | Robert Moyer | District XI Class AA Champions |
1985 | 4-5-1 | Robert Moyer | |
1984 | 4-7-0 | Robert Moyer | |
1983 | 4-5-1 | Barry Hackenberg | |
1982 | 5-6-0 | Barry Hackenberg | |
1981 | 6-5-0 | Barry Hackenberg | |
1980 | 6-4-1 | Barry Hackenberg | |
1979 | 5-6-0 | Barry Hackenberg | |
1978 | 4-7-0 | John Kashner | |
1977 | 8-2-1 | John Kashner | |
1976 | 6-4-1 | John Kashner | |
1975 | 7-3-1 | Robert Oravitz | |
1974 | 9-2-0 | Robert Oravitz | Schuylkill County Conference Champions |
1973 | 5-6-0 | Robert Oravitz | |
1972 | 6-4-1 | Robert Oravitz | |
1971 | 6-5-0 | Robert Oravitz | |
1970 | 1-9-1 | Robert Oravitz | |
1969 | 4-6-0 | Robert Oravitz | |
1968 | 7-3-0 | Robert Oravitz | |
1967 | 6-4-0 | Robert Oravitz | |
1966 | 4-6-0 | Edward Wojciechowski | Frackville High School Head Coach |