The Colts announced Monday that long-time assistant Billy O’Gurek is the new head football coach. He takes over for legendary football coach Stan Dakosty.
We interviewed O’Gurek about taking over Marian Catholic.
What school did you graduate from (High School and College)?
– 2001 Graduate of Marian
– 2005 Graduate of King’s College, Wilkes-Barre
How many years have you been coaching?
“I have been coaching for seven years, all as an assistant at Marian.”
What does it mean to be the head coach at Marian Catholic?
“It was a special moment to be introduced as the Head Coach at my alma mater. I played for Coach Dakosty from 1997-2000 (1998 & 2000 District 11 AA champions, lost to Mt Carmel in Eastern Finals both years) and had the opportunity to coach with him for the past four years. To be named the Head Coach of Marian now means a lot to me and I’m excited to get started with our players and coaches. There was a lot of interest in the position (12 applications, 7 interviewed) and that is a credit to our players and what they accomplished this past season and the potential they showed for the future. I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by our school Administration to lead our program going forward.”
When you’re not coaching what is your profession?
“I am employed by the PA Department of the Auditor General as an auditor.”
What have you learned over the years working with Coach Dakosty?
“I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor the past four seasons than Coach Dakosty. He exposed me to anything and everything that could happen in a football program, on and off the field. It was like a four-year master class in football leadership and I will forever be grateful to him for the opportunity. I am excited that he will still be a presence around our football program at our summer youth camp, practices, and games, and I know that whenever I need advice or his opinion he will be close by. I’m also excited that our entire coaching staff from last season will be returning for next year.”
