HS FOOTBALL

“Coach Wasilchak didn’t just give you the same coach sayings they all say,” former Lackawanna Trail all-state linebacker Jim Colvin said. “He lived it. On game day, his shoes were clean, and he was on the field 15 minutes early because being on time was late. He was a true leader, a great friend and a man I admire greatly.
Jeff Wasilchak, a mild-mannered leader with a knack for motivating athletes to excel beyond expectations, will join his legendary father as a Hall of Fame high school football coach.
Wasilchak left Lackawanna Trail to accept the head coaching job at Lakeland, the program his father left a lasting legacy.
“I’d slap a tiger for the man.”
Wasilchak’s father, Jerry, earned induction in 2022 for his 20-year career in building the Lakeland program into a championship powerhouse.
Lackawanna Trail won nine league championships in 11 seasons.
Now an assistant on his brother Scot’s staff at Valley View, the longtime head coach at Lackawanna Trail and Lakeland was selected for induction to the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame at the annual meetings this weekend.
Originally Published: January 25, 2025 at 3:49 PM EST
After a brief retirement following the 2018 season, Wasilchak became an assistant coach at Valley View, where his son Jerry was an All-Region center and son Jeffrey is a linebacker.
Wasilchak took over the Lackawanna Trail program in 1997, and he built it into a perennial power. With his commitment to teaching fundamentals and evolving his offensive perspective while remaining true to his principles, the Lions were the premier Class 1A team in District 2.
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“Coach was a great football coach and person,” former Lakeland all-state tight end and Alabama standout CJ Dippre said. “I had the luxury of getting moved up to varsity as a freshman and played for him for two seasons. I learned many lessons from him as well as what it meant to be a Chief.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to be inducted especially when you see the other names who are in there, including my dad, who is in there,” Wasilchak said. “It’s really great and I am humbled by the recognition.”
Former Lackawanna Trail and Lakeland head coach Jeff Wasilchak was selected for induction into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

During his 11 seasons at Lackawanna Trail, the program also won seven District 2 Class 1A championships, including four in a row from 2002 to 2005. The Lions also reached the PIAA Class 1A semifinals in 2000 and 2003, losing to state power Southern Columbia each time.
Former Lackawanna Trail and Lakeland head coach Jeff Wasilchak was selected for induction into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Former Lackawanna Trail and Lakeland head coach Jeff Wasilchak was selected for induction into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

“He was masterful at instilling the belief of winning in us all.”
“Coach Wasilchak was a true embodiment of leadership and empathy, always putting the well-being of his players first,” said former all-state running back Richard Jackson, who went on to a record-breaking career at King’s College. “His ability to connect with each individual, understand their strengths and weaknesses and build trust within the team was unparalleled.
“Through his guidance, he created an environment where players believed in themselves and each other, unlocking their full potential. His unwavering commitment to both their growth on and off the field allowed him to transform the program, taking it from struggling to success in record time.”

“Coach Wasilchak had a clear vision for Trail football, which included hard work and fundamentals,” said former Lackawanna Trail All-Region linebacker and Washington Commanders assistant special teams coach John Glenn, who played for Wasilchak from 1997 to 1999.