Stauffer Sportsman of the Year
LOCK HAVEN – Friday night was a big night for the Clinton County United Way and equally big for former Central Mountain High School boys’ soccer coach Abe Stauffer.
The event was the United Way’s fourth annual Sports Night and Fine Arts Auction and Stauffer was named the Clinton County Sportsman of the Year. He received the award from one of his former players, United Way board chairman Rocco Rosamilia.
During the course of the evening “therecord-online” learned that Stauffer’s name will be submitted to the Keystone Central School Board at its May 14 meeting for selection as Central Mountain girls’ soccer coach.
The school district had been searching for a new coach for the girls’ program after Ryan Veltri resigned after last season, citing family considerations.
Stauffer Friday night said his decision to return to coaching had been made in conjunction with the support of his family who were in attendance for his recognition. He had resigned after the 2011 season as boys’ coach, telling his team, “I am not leaving soccer, I am just changing positions.” After several years outside the soccer field fence, he will be back on the Malinak Stadium sidelines this fall.
Rosamilia, in awarding the sportsman’s award to Stauffer, noted his 30-plus years in coaching, compiling a 339-244-51 record in stints at Fannett-Metal, Lock Haven and Central Mountain High Schools. Most notably Stauffer was the founder and director of the West Branch Soccer Club where he continues to serve area youth. He was recognized for his “life-long dedication to the community, its youth and the area’s flourishing soccer program.”
