Dave Vestal

JACKSON TWP — Timing is often cited as a reason a high school coach accepts a job.

For Dave Vestal, it was a major factor in him stepping away from one.

After two seasons of leading Seneca Valley’s football team to a combined record of 13-9, including a trip to the WPIAL Class 6A title game at Heinz Field last November, Vestal resigned from his post on Monday.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while,” Vestal, who lives with his wife and daughter in North Fayette Township, said of his decision to step aside. “The logistics of it, I had a 45-minute drive to and from Seneca Valley. To continue to develop those relationships that you need to have, it takes a lot of time. In my gut, I felt like it was time for me to step down.”

“Seneca Valley was so lucky that Dave was here,” said SV athletic director Heather Lewis. “It was a short two years, but I’m grateful and I know the kids are grateful.

“We will follow the district policy for approving a new coach,” she added. “We want to make sure we do it the right way and come up with the right coach.”

Vestal broke the news to his players during a meeting at the field house Monday afternoon.

“I thanked them for everything they had done,” he said. “I’m sad to be leaving Seneca Valley, but this is something I needed to do for my family.”

The Raiders qualified for the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs in Vestal’s initial season of 2015, going 5-5 overall. This past season saw the team reach six wins in the regular season before memorable playoff victories over Mt. Lebanon (49-43) and North Allegheny (28-27) that earned for SV the second trip to the district final in program history. The Raiders fell to Central Catholic in the title game, but the journey made 2016 an unforgettable season.

“I’ve been part of a lot of memorable games, but the playoff win over North Allegheny is one that sticks out for me,” he said. “When you consider how the regular season game turned out (a 49-14 loss), it was awesome getting that win to get to Heinz Field. Just seeing the kids’ faces, it was special for them and special for the community.

“The kids were such a pleasure to coach. We had guys step up. It all starts with the guys up front and when you look at what (quarterback) Jack Cook, (running back) Hank Royal and (receiver) Payton Skalos did, those guys were fearless. They put the team on their shoulders and came up with key plays at key times.”

Vestal, 48, is a physics and astronomy teacher at Hopewell High School. He has been a head football coach for 16 straight seasons, previously leading Hopewell 2001-14. He owns a career record of 105-68. He would not give a definitive answer regarding his willingness to coach again.

“There’s always a chance,” he said. “I don’t want to close any doors, but I may explore some opportunities outside of football.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to coach at Seneca Valley.”