Havelka adds football to coaching duties at Burgettstown

Terry Havelka has added a second head coaching job to his duties at Burgettstown Area High School.

Havelka, the Blue Devils head wrestling coach the past 18 years, was named head football coach at last week's school board meeting.

"Terry has dedicated his career to helping make Burgettstown High School better," Blue Devils athletic director John Vallina said. "He cares about our students and our school. He is well respected by the students and in the community."

Havelka, who turned 55 in April, replaces Matt Taylor, who left to take the head coaching job at Keystone Oaks.

"Terry has done a great job with our wrestling program," Vallina said. "He's been a part of our football program almost as long. He's been an assistant football coach for 25 years, including 10 years as offensive coordinator."

Havelka has had chances to apply for the head football position at Burgettstown in the past.

"There were a couple times that I could have applied, but it just wasn't the right time for me because of other things going on in my life at the time," Havelka said. "Now I'm ready for the challenge."

Havelka, a physical education teacher in the district for 33 years, coached one of Burgettstown's middle school teams the past six years.

"I've coached almost everybody on the team at one point, so I'm very familiar with the kids and what they can do," Havelka said. "Matt set a good foundation for the program. That's making the transition so much easier."

Havelka has designated himself as offensive coordinator.

"I was offensive coordinator for 10 years when Rege Onderick was the head coach, so I will be calling the plays on offense," Havelka said. "Ralph Vigliotti has agreed to be my defensive coordinator, and Mark Druga will be the special teams coordinator."

One thing Havelka insisted on was that he be allowed to stay on as head wrestling coach.

"I didn't want to give up the wrestling position," Havelka said. "The kids have been very loyal to me over the years and I still enjoy coaching."

Havelka has compiled a 198-85 record in 18 seasons as the Blue Devils wrestling coach. He's tied for 33rd on the WPIAL's all-time win list for coaches. He was an assistant wrestling coach for 14 years before taking over as head coach.

"The district has agreed to lighten my class load a bit since I'm coaching both teams," Havelka said.

Havelka graduated from Burgettstown in 1975 and was a four-year letter-winner in football and baseball, and a three-year letter-winner in wrestling. He quarterbacked conference championship teams his junior and senior seasons.

Havelka graduated from William & Mary College in 1979 with a degree in health and physical education. At William & Mary, he was a four-year letter winner in football and a three-year starter as a defensive back and punt returner. He also lettered in baseball one year.

"The district hopes Terry will bring enthusiasm for the football program back to our community," Vallina said.

Burgettstown had a 4-5 record last season, which included a 2-5 record in the Class AA Century Conference. The Blue Devils won their first three games then lost five of their last six.

"We're a small Class AA team in a tough conference," Havelka said. "Fortunately, we have a good crop of seniors to work with."

Havelka plans to make some changes to the Blue Devils' offensive and defensive schemes.

"I plan to keep the terminology and numbering schemes the same, so the kids don't have to learn everything from scratch," Havelka said. "But I do plan to put my stamp on the offense. I'm really looking forward to the challenge."