Ruffner hired as new football coach at Hempfield Area

A physical education teacher at Hempfield Area High School will take over as head football coach.

The school board on Monday named Robert "Bo" Ruffner to the position. Ruffner takes over for Gary Dongilli, who resigned in December after only two seasons as coach.

Several football players who attended last night's meeting said they were pleased with the board's decision.

Tony Banks, Adam Chatlos and George Mcklveen, all juniors, said they feel that Ruffner has the ability to turn around a program that in the last two seasons compiled a 3-17 record.

"He has the attitude in a coach that you want to win," Banks said.

"And we want to win, bad," Chatlos said.

Ruffner has been an assistant coach at Hempfield for six years. He was offensive coordinator for the past few seasons.

Banks said Ruffner has been a positive influence on the team, especially as it weathered losses week after week.

"In bad times the last season, he picked us up and helped us finish the season the way we should have," Banks said.

Contacted by phone after the meeting, Ruffner said he's confident that under his leadership the team will begin to show measurable improvements as early as next season.

"My first goal is to be competitive, week in and week out," Ruffner said, adding he feels the team could improve enough to have a shot at making the playoffs.

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"The kids and the school are ready to be a contending team," Ruffner said. "It's a program that's ready to make the step to the next level."

Ruffner he will meet with the players this week, then begin to assemble a coaching staff.

Ruffner was selected from among 40 applicants. A committee comprised of school administrators and residents narrowed the list to eight who were brought in for interviews. Only four were called in for second interviews.

Anthony Bompiani, a school board director who chairs the athletic committee, said the board purposely excused itself from the selection process.

"We felt our problems with fans and the parents were magnified for the players," Bompiani said. "We felt the best way was to keep the board out of it and let the experts do it."

Former football players from the high school, college and professional levels were among the residents who sat on the selection committee.

Jason Ross, athletic director, chaired the selection committee. He said one reason Ruffner was recommended to the board is because he works at the high school and will be available daily to players.

"Every applicant we interviewed said the only way they could be successful is if they are physically in the hallways, having accessibility to the players," Ross said.

Ross said Ruffner also will bring stability to the program because he has no intentions of leaving the district.

The new coach is not expected to transform the team overnight, but rather to rebuild the program over time, said Ross. Ruffner has been tasked with re-establishing a sense of pride among players, providing accountability and instilling discipline in the program.

If those goals are met, Ross said the result will be a competitive team that improves from week to week.

"The key word is patience," Ross said. "We're not looking for miracles overnight."

Ruffner will be paid $5,884 to coach the team.