After one memorable season, Dave Roman Jr. stepped down as head coach of the Greater Johnstown boys basketball team.
Roman said he turned in his letter of resignation to Johnstown Athletic Director Tony Penna Sr. on May 20, citing a new job and family commitments.
“It is a change in jobs. It was in the best interest of my family. It was a job opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Roman, who had served nearly three years as Westmont Recreation’s executive director prior to committing to a new job “with a local development company.”
Roman led the Trojans to an 18-7 record and a District 6 Class AAA championship last season. Previously he had
201 career wins and four District 6 titles coaching the Westmont Hilltop boys team in 10 seasons.
“Absolutely I will miss it. Johnstown gave me a great opportunity,” Roman said. “It was a great experience coaching down there. I had a great group of kids. I’ll miss them. They accepted me and bought into what we were trying to teach them. We had a real successful season. The opportunity for this job came up and I couldn’t turn it down.”
This week, rumors began to surface that Roman was leaving Johnstown, and there even was some chatter that Roman would accept a vacant coaching position, possibly at Westmont.
Roman admitted he’s heard such speculation, but said at this point he’s out of the coaching game.
He didn’t dismiss a possible comeback though.
“That’s up for debate,” Roman said. “I won’t rule it out. I might coach again in the future.”
Penna praised Roman and his assistants, Neil Cobaugh and Ryan Durham, for last season’s success. Penna presented Johnstown Superintendent Barbara Parkins with Roman’s letter of resignation, and the Johnstown School Board was also notified.
The position was posted internally on Thursday, Penna said, and will be advertised publicly after 10 days.
“Davey is a great basketball mind and a relentless worker and scouter,” Penna said.
“He’s everything you’d want in a young head coach. He does things by he book. He doesn’t play games. He’s truthful with his players and the administration. I have nothing but respect for him. Besides admiring him as a friend and a player, I think he’s one of the best coaches in the area if not the best. I thought it was a great match when he came here.”
Penna said the next Trojans coach will have a solid foundation.
“There are some superb athletes coming up in basketball,” Penna said.
“We have a strong junior high program. We have some excellent returning players.”
Roman’s choice to leave Johnstown after only one season wasn’t made lightly.
“It was a tough decision but with the opportunity I was given, at this point in my life I’ve got to do what is best for my kids,” said Roman, who with his wife Karen has a
5-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter.
“That’s what the decision was based upon.”
High School Sports
Roman steps down as Trojans’ coach
- High School Sports
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High school basketball in brief
A closer look at Monday's boys and girls high school basketball games:
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Mifflin County bests Westmont Hilltop in District 6 Class AAA semis
Mifflin County finished Saturday’s District 6 Class AAA semifinal with a flourish – both in the dual meet and individual matches – on the way to a 36-26 victory over Westmont Hilltop.
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Bedford captures District 5 crown
Michael Brett is known for his ability to lock up a cross-face cradle.
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[VIDEO] Bishop McCort avenges earlier loss to Richland
Bishop McCort’s girls were looking for a little payback for an earlier loss that they had suffered at Laurel Highlands Section 2 rival Richland.
It was mission accomplished for the Crimson Crushers on Friday night as McCort held off the Rams for a physical 47-43 victory. -
Westy set to face Mifflin County at District 6 meet
Westmont Hilltop coach Matt Beaujon takes pride in having his wrestling team well-prepared heading into a dual meet.
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Quality, depth make this a banner year in D-5
Bill Creps heard the comments about District 5 wrestling: Sub-par. Spotty. Unable to compete with the big boys.
So did Jan Clark.
And while both former coaches are officially retired, they can still be found regularly at high school gymnasiums around the state. But they’re no longer hearing whispers or snickers about the quality of District 5 wrestlers, and it’s not because of any hearing loss. -
High school basketball in brief
A closer look at Friday night's boys and girls high school basketball games:
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District 5 wrestling roundup: Somerset, Meyersdale, Chestnut Ridge advance
Jake Hayman knocked off the top-ranked heavyweight in the state as second-seeded Somerset beat No. 7 Northern Bedford 53-24 in the quarterfinals of the District 5 Class AA tournament on Thursday night.
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Koontz’s victory propels Bedford to a slim win over Berlin
Josiah Koontz had not only the dual meet resting on his shoulders, but also the Bedford Bisons perfect mark and, ultimately, the fate of their season.
No pressure there. -
Johnstown's defense too much for Westmont Hilltop
Westmont Hilltop had closed within a point of Johnstown late in the first half during Thursday’s key LHAC Section II game.
- More High School Sports Headlines
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High school basketball in brief
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