Seneca Valley area athletic teams react to death of 2 youth coaches
The Seneca Valley area athletic community is reacting this week following the deaths of two youth coaches, Cody L. Huffman and T.V. Garrett Griffin, who were killed in a vehicle crash Saturday, July 25, in Penn Township.
A series of social media posts early this week recognized the men for their roles as coaches of various Seneca Valley area youth sports, including football and baseball. Those programs are not actually affiliated with Seneca Valley School District.
The two men were assistant coaches for the Seneca Valley Youth Football 10U squad, with Huffman serving as line coach, according to Seneca Valley High School football coach Don Barclay, who said he was a close friend of Huffman for nearly a decade.
Both men were also assistant coaches for the 10U squad of the Seneca Valley Baseball & Softball Association, according to a parent.
“Both were devoted husbands, fathers, coaches and friends who gave so much of themselves to the young athletes and families in our association,” wrote the SVBSA in a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 29. “Their impact reached far beyond the baseball field and they will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing them. Our thoughts and prayers are with both families during this unimaginable time. We ask our community to continue keeping them in your hearts in the days, weeks and months ahead.”
The news of their sudden deaths has triggered expressions of sympathy from the local youth sports community in the days since the news broke.
“As a baseball community, we all know how these teams turn into families — and that continued support is what helps us get through all seasons, on and off the field,” wrote Pine Richland Baseball/Softball Association in a Facebook post Thursday. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families, teammates and everyone affected by this devastating accident.”
“Cody and Garrett were much more than coaches,” wrote the official Raiders baseball team’s Facebook page on Wednesday. “They were devoted husbands, loving fathers, mentors and role models who made a lasting difference in the lives of countless young athletes.”
Barclay said he was devastated to learn of Huffman’s sudden death.
“I was dear friends with Cody Huffman,” said Barclay, who also lost his younger brother Beau last year at age 32. “I had experience hanging out with Cody, whether it’s hunting, golfing or just helping in the community or just working out at the local YMCA. I’ve known Cody since I moved back here in 2019 and I could say so many great things about Cody.
“This community was hurt pretty hard and we feel so sorry for both families.”
Barclay added Huffman was an ex-football player himself, having played offensive lineman at Gannon University in Erie.
“We would talk a lot about football outside of football,” Barclay said. “I’d been to plenty of community parties and Christmas parties that he’s hosted. It's a tough, tough time right now for everyone, especially their families.”
GoFundMe campaigns are currently underway to support the families of both Huffman and Griffin. The fundraiser for the Griffin family, which started Monday, has raised $144,683 as of Thursday afternoon — 79% of its goal of $180,000. The fundraiser for the Huffman family was created Tuesday and has raised $91,475 — 84% of the way to its goal of $110,000.
In addition, North Hills Youth Football pledged to donate 100% of concession stand earnings for their home game on Thursday night to the Huffman and Griffin families.
