The 2012 football season brings some new faces on the sidelines for the Seneca Valley Raiders varsity football team: Coach Jason Gildon, Coach Tyrell Sales, and Coach Kyle Snyder.
Coach Gildon is the most recognizable name being added to the staff.
Coach Gildon was the 88th overall pick of the 1994 NFL draft coming out of Oklahoma State and played ten years in the NFL, nine of which were for the hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. He made three pro bowls in his career and still holds the franchise record for sacks in a career for the Steelers with 77.0 sacks.
Coach Gildon has joined on the staff as a linebacker and tight end coach and defensive assistant.
Junor linebacker Tucker Van Dyke said “It’s been a great experience, and I have learned alot of new things. They helped me improve my skill level and mental level of football. They have raised the bar for expectations from the players and I believe they will improve the program in many ways. They are two great coaches who know a lot about the game.”
Coach Sales is also a recognizable addition to the staff, especially for any Penn State football fans.
He was a starting linebacker at the famed “Linebacker U” and went undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft. Since then, Sales has bounced around professional football, including working out with the Indianapolis Colts, playing with the Jacksonville Sharks in the AFL, and is currently a member of the Italian Super Bowl Champion Parma Panthers.
Like Coach Gildon, Coach Sales has joined the staff to help coach the linebacking core.
Senior linebacker Carson Kessler said “It’s really an advantage to play for two guys that have had great successes in the game. Their knowledge on every little detail of the game makes you that much better. They’re tough coaches, but thats what it takes to be a great football team.”
Coach Snyder is in his first year as a high school football coach and is in charge of the wide receivers.
He played two years of junior college football and was the leading reciever both years as well as a team captain.
He signed at UMASS and then transfered to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania after a coaching change and played there in the mid to late 80s, including a conference championship.
After graduation, Coach Snyder played one year for the Harrisburg Patriots in the old Minor League Football System.
Coach Snyder was also a coach for the junior football league in Cranberry for a number of years.
Senior wide reciever Paul Hudanick said “I think Coach Snyder has really helped the team this year! He has really improved not only my game, but all of our recievers! He is just a great guy to be around, and he is really easy to talk to about whatever it is you need. He is one of my favorite coaches, he really makes the gam fun to play! Coach Snyder has been a great addition to the staff!”