Holl steps down as coach
JACKSON TWP — After 37 wins and four WPIAL playoff appearances in six seasons, the Don Holl era at Seneca Valley is over.
Holl, who took over as head coach of the Raiders' football program in 2009, notified the Seneca Valley School Board of his resignation last Friday. He remains a history teacher at Seneca Valley High School.
A press release from the district Wednesday stated, “District officials will immediately begin the formal process of searching for their next head coach and hope to have the position filled early next year.”
Under Holl, the Raiders compiled an overall record of 37-25. They fell to 2-7 this past season, though Holl said that had little to do with his decision.
“It was disappointing and frustrating, but as a competitor, you want to get back at it,” he said of the team's performance. “But from the feedback I got from the administration, there was a wide gap and philosophical differences in how to run a program.
“The best thing for everyone, most importantly the players, is for me to step aside.”
SV athletic director Heather Lewis said in a released statement, “I thank Mr. Holl for his coaching service and wish him well.”
Holl's 37 victories are second on Seneca's all-time coaching list behind Terry Henry, who won 74 games between 1984-95. In the first 45 years of Raiders football, the program had never qualified for the district playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Holl led the team to postseason play in 2009 and 2011-13.
“Each season that we succeeded had its own moments,” he said. “But I think about the 2012 team (that went 10-2), if there was no North Allegheny, I really believe we could've won the WPIAL and ran the table.”
This past campaign began with high hopes, but soon gave way to a four-game losing streak to start the season.
“We certainly didn't benefit from several key injuries,” said Holl. “We play in a tough section and needed to play mistake-free football, but were not able to do that.”
Holl, who previously coached at Tunkhannock High School in Wyoming County and Cathedral Prep in Erie, hopes to coach again.
“Right now, I just need to exhale and decide what's next. I do want to do more coaching,” he said. “Obviously, it's not going to happen at Seneca Valley and I don't have my eye on any place in particular.”
He will take fond memories from his years of leading the Raiders.
“We had great kids come through and got to work with a lot of great families,” he said. “My family has really enjoyed it. When we came here, we jumped in with both feet. Sometimes, things just don't work out.”
