Shiffer Brings Pride in Being the Standard

Head coach Shiffer introducing himself to the parents of players from all levels of Pine Groves football program.

Nick Wolff

Head coach Shiffer introducing himself to the parents of players from all levels of Pine Groves football program.

Nick Wolff, Sports Editor

Pine Grove Area School Board recently appointed a new head Football Coach-David Shiffer.   

Shiffer has big plans for Pine Grove Area  bringing in his “Be The Standard” attitude. Shiffer is making big changes in mentality, his biggest being “PRIDE” (Purpose, Responsibility, Integrity, Determination, and Effort)  he wants PRIDE  to be apparent in every aspect of his players lives.  

“I personally am excited about Coach Shiffer being our new head coach. I think it will be interesting throughout the off-season learning new offensive and defensive schemes, and with a different coaching staff. After talking with him, for these few weeks, I’m excited for the season and for what’s to come this year,” said Carter Raudabaugh, junior.  

Pine Grove Area fans can look forward to seeing a new style of football in the Fall.  “(I am) Looking forward to bringing in my schematic philosophy and prior experience from everywhere I’ve been and to truly build up this program,” said Shiffer. 

Before achieving his position as Pine Grove Area’s Head Football Coach, Shiffer worked as Defensive Coordinator at Blue Mountain and Shenandoah Valley.  He also coached at  Minersville Area.   He is married to Ashley Withelder, ’02 PGA alumna, and they have 3 children.  Since his Board approval, Shiffer has been seen at sporting events where his Cardinal Pride is evident.   

“I’m looking forward to meeting all the kids and finding out what opportunities are ahead for us and looking forward to what we can build as a program,” said Shiffer.  

Coach Shiffer met with the football team the day after his approval.  He introduced himself to faculty and other students, as well, and workouts began the following week. 

Coach Shiffer is winning over his new players.  Mason Kroh, junior, said, “Originally, I think the team and I were worried. We are getting a guy none of us know and we don’t know what is going to happen with our team this year. We’re all staying positive though, 4 of us went to the Board Meeting to watch him get approved and meet him. I personally like what he’s doing after the first few days of lifting and having him be around. I look forward to what he’s going to do with the team this year. Hopefully we have a lot of big things to come.” 

“He’s even spoken with Senior Football players.  He wants to know the team, even those of us who are graduating,” said Brodie Lyons, senior.  Lyons continued,  “It shows his commitment to the program and that those students who played before Coach Shiffer being hired are important in the program continuing. You don’t see that very often.”  

Along with football players, the Administration is looking forward to Coach Shiffer joining the Cardinal community. “Coach Shiffer impressed the interview committee with a highly organized plan for the Pine Grove Area football program.  Coach Shiffer brings high energy and enthusiasm to the job. He is experienced coaching both sides of the ball.  He’ll combine “old school” fundamentals with modern technology to give our kids a valuable football experience.” said Scot Dimon, Athletic Director. 

Heath Renninger, Superintendent said, “We are tremendously excited to have Coach Shiffer come to Pine Grove Area to reinvigorate our football program and build upon what Coach Gaffney had put in place.  Coach Shiffer has a unique ability to teach the game of football effectively to his players and to inspire them with his passion.  I would encourage everyone to rally around the entire team along with Coach Shiffer and let’s get PGA football back on track.  I look forward to our future.”

Coach Shiffer met with parents during a Football Parent Meeting.   Mr. Lyons, father of Mason Lyons, says, “ I think it’s going to be very helpful to have coach Shiffer coming with a fresh set of eyes and new game plan. It’ll help the younger guys coming up with the new JV and JH programs being added.”