OLEAN, N.Y. – “To try to give this award to one would be just
unfair,” Master of Ceremonies for the 57th annual Big 30
Testimonial Dinner Chuck Pollock said about two local football
coaches who were each named Coach of the Year on Tuesday night at
St. Bonaventure Clubhouse.
Coudersport’s Paul Simcoe and Randolph’s Pat Slater shared
Alfred Joe Bunnell Coach of the Year honors at the Testimonial. It
was the first time in the history of the Testimonial that two
coaches shared the award.
“I’d like to thank my wife and my family for allowing me to do
this for 27 years,” Simcoe told coaches and players in attendance.
“The young men I’ve had the opportunity to coach share a belief in
themselves.”
Simcoe, who has an all-time coaching record of 181-72-8, also
thanked his coaching staff for a successful season.
“We have a 14-man staff at Coudersport,” he said. “They all
contribute in a big way.”
Coudersport, a perfect 12-0 this season, defeated Clarion 31-7
in the District 9 Class A championship game on Saturday. The
Falcons look to further extend their season on Friday at Slippery
Rock University when they take on D-10 champ Kennedy Catholic in
the PIAA quarterfinals at Thompson Stadium.
Speaking for Slater who was unable to attend the Testimonial was
John Hitchcock, an advance scout for the Randolph Cardinals.
“He (coach Slater) has done a super job and the boys have done a
super job,” Hitchcock complimented.
Slater’s all-time coaching record speaks for itself at 113-30-2.
His Cardinals defeated Deposit 28-0 last Friday to advance to the
New York State Class D finals.
Other candidates for Coach of the Year were Dave Baron
(Bolivar-Richburg), Tim Bergen (Ellicottville), Mike Wilber
(Allegany-Limestone), Mike Bodamer (Port Allegany), Tom Launer
(Johnsonburg) and Joe Schlimm (St. Marys).
This year’s Joe Bizzaro Memorial Award, given to the most
valuable player of the Olean-Bradford rivalry game, went to Justin
George of Olean.
The Leon Abbott School Sportsmanship Award was given to
Portville. Elk County Catholic and St. Marys High School were the
other nominees.
Jake Clark of Ellicottville was the winner of the E.B.
Fitzpatrick Unsung Lineman of the Year award, while Tim McElwain of
Randolph received the Lou Foy Scholar Athlete award.
Coudersport’s David Babcock hauled the Gary Sage Memorial Award
back across the state line with him.
Also speaking at the event was Ken Coffman, son-in-law of the
late Don Raabe, and president of the Big 30 Don Raabe Charities
Classic Committee.
“(Don) Raabe was a successful coach who had a vision of a game
of New York versus Pennsylvania all-stars with the proceeds going
to charity,” Coffman noted. “Thousands of people have benefited.
Over $1 million has gone to people in need in our area.”
The Large School team award went to Port Allegany (7-3) while
the Middle-size school award went to Coudersport and the Small
School award went to Randolph.
Representatives from Mercyhurst College, Buffalo State
University and Alfred attended the event.
