JACKSON TWP — Wayne Roccia has seen just about everything in his 31 years as the Seneca Valley track and field coach.

But he didn't see Wednesday coming.

Roccia, who is coaching his final season with the Raiders, was honored by the school's booster committee with a ceremony to recognize his long and illustrious career.

Just about everyone in the community was in the know — except Roccia.

"The Guinness Book of World Records called to say we set the record for the largest secret for the longest time," said middle school coach Sue Ennis in her remarks.

"I'm 100 percent surprised," said Roccia, a 1968 graduate of Seneca Valley and a full-time teacher at Evans City Elementary since 1973. "I'm stunned, shocked. I'm trying to keep myself composed. I'm overwhelmed by the generosity."

As rain forced the event from NexTier Stadium to the middle school's multi-purpose room, Roccia prepared to head down to the track for practice, but no one was there.

"I just figured it was raining and no one wanted to run," said Roccia.

Instead, he made his way to the middle school, where he was greeted by athletes, parents, his family and the booster committee, who had a wheelchair waiting to whisk him into the multi-purpose room.

From there, Roccia, wife Peggy and children, Wayne Jr. and Jen, were acknowledged and his biography was read by seniors Aly Triscuit and Mitch McGrew. Speeches and gifts were offered by coaches and athletes.

A concession stand favorite, the Walkin' Taco, was renamed the Runnin' Roccia, and a petition was put forth by the athletes to name the track at NexTier Stadium the Wayne D. Roccia Track.

Roccia took over as head coach of the boys team in 1976 and as girls coach in 1980 when the teams were joined. Bob Harsh had coached the girls team but became Roccia's assistant in 1980 until 2004, when he retired.

Roccia had a huge support staff through the years, including Dan Sample and Ray Peaco, who have served with him for 30 and 25 years, respectively.

In 31 seasons, Roccia has compiled a 441-176 record overall: boys, 218-100; girls, 223-76, both teams wrapping up their 27th consecutive winning seasons.

"This is my hometown," said Roccia. "I'm a Seneca Valley grad and I was thrilled to get a teaching job (after graduating from Edinboro University in 1972).

"If not for Danny Sample and Ray Peaco, I probably would not have done it this long. We developed a bond. We've always been on the same page," he added.

Roccia and his staff always employed a "winning by participation" plan, but he said the secret to the success has been both a positive attitude and attracting the number of athletes needed to keep things going.

"The biggest thing we stress here is team, team, team, team, team," said Roccia. "Some teams, they look at individuals, go to invitationals and go their own way.

"We tell the kids: 'You will have a winning season. That's not a goal. It will happen.' You breed that in their brain and it will happen," he added.

One thing Roccia won't miss is recruiting to keep his rosters full. A normal season total for the boys and girls teams is about 180 athletes.

He admits hiring Sample, Peaco and other coaches because they coached other sports and could convince some of their players to come out in the spring.

Ennis calculated that Roccia has coached more than 12,000 athletes in that span.

Also, Peaco figured that nine trips by bus to Florida equaled the amount of mileage Roccia has totaled in 31 years attending meets, invitationals and WPIAL and PIAA championships.

"I have people stop me all the time saying, 'You probably don't remember me, but I ran track for you,'" Roccia said. "I may not remember the face because they've changed so much, but once I hear the name, it comes back to me.

"It's been a good experience. It's always been about the kids," he added.