BY MIKE MASTOVICH
johnstown — The Greater Johnstown School District voted unanimously to offer Tony Penna Jr. a four-year contract as head football coach during Tuesday night’s school board meeting.
Penna had left a nearly decade-long position as an assistant at Johnstown to accept the head coaching job and athletic director position at Ferndale in July.
“I’m extremely humbled to even be considered for that position,” Penna said.
“I know how big of a job that is. There is no other job I would leave Ferndale for than this one.”
Penna had served as Johnstown High’s offensive coordinator for four seasons and had been part of the Trojans staff for eight years through the 2008 season.
He led the Yellow Jackets to a 2-7 record during the 2009 WestPAC season, and his offense, modeled after Johns-town, produced big passing and receiving numbers.
Receiver Ryan Gaunt had more than 1,000 receiving yards and was a second-team Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State pick and first-team Tribune-Democrat selection.
Quarterback Hayden Stumpo also had a banner year under Penna’s guidance.
The Jackets had gone 1-9 in 2008 and 2-7 in 2007.
Penna also formerly worked in the high-scoring, offense-first American Indoor Football League as head coach of the former Johnstown Riverhawks squad that once occupied the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.
“He was the most experienced and qualified candidate,” Johnstown school board President Richard Unger said. “Tony was an assistant coach under Bob Arcurio and Kevin Marabito. He knows our system. The kids really like him.
“Not only is Tony Penna a good coach, he did a lot for those kids when he was here. When film needed done, Tony would take the time and do the film work. When kids needed to visit colleges, Tony would take them. He knows the system, and the kids will respect and look up to him.”
The Johnstown position opened when successful coach Kevin Marabito alerted the district last month that he would not reapply for the job after his three-year contract concluded.
Marabito led Johnstown to a 23-11 record with a District 6 Class AAA championship this past season and a 6-AAA runner-up in 2008. Marabito’s early notification enabled the district to quickly begin a search for his replacement.
“They were getting antsy without a coach,” Unger said of the returning players. “Everybody was speculating who it was going to be. The kids are going to the weight room and working hard. They’re excited.”
Unger said the extended contract will enable Penna and his incoming staff to have stability.
“We gave him a four-year contract to give him a chance to build a program,” Unger said.
“We lost a lot of people (who will graduate this spring). The kids are going to buy into Tony’s system. He knows the system. He was the offensive coordinator here. The kids look up to him and respect him. Discipline, I don’t think we’ll have that problem at Johnstown under Tony. We’re very glad to have him.”
Penna had similar feelings about returning to Johnstown.
“My familiarity with the kids and knowing my way around the school will help,” Penna said. “I spent a lot of time at the junior high games and looking at the programs. I had a good relationship with some of the kids. On top of that, I am familiar with the expectations that come along with this job. Johns-town is known for its pride and tradition. I’m the son of a coach (Tony Penna Sr.). I’ve coached in this area for 15 years and I understand what that job means. It’s a premier job in District 6. I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t excited.”
