Nanticoke Area football coach Scott Dennis died unexpectedly Tuesday night, three days before he was to coach the Trojans for the first time.
Nanticoke Area administrators met with the team on Wednesday morning to address Dennis’ death. Grief counselors were made available to the players.
Athletic director Ken Bartuska said the players and coaching staff decided to go forward with Friday night’s game against visiting North Pocono.
Dennis was a 1988 graduate of Nanticoke Area and was the school’s attendance officer. He was previously the head coach at Holy Redeemer and Central Columbia.
Ronald Grevera, superintendent of the Greater Nanticoke Area School District, released the following statement:
“The Greater Nanticoke Area School District is saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Head Football Coach Scott Dennis and send condolences to his wife Lori and their family. Based on discussions with our coaches and players, we are going to move forward with our game on Friday night against North Pocono. Both the students and coaches wish to play the game in honor of Coach Dennis.
“This is a very sad time for our football program as well as our entire Trojan Family, and we appreciate the support of both our GNA and surrounding community. Counseling for our student-athletes will be available as long as needed. Outside of school hours, our student-athletes can call Northeast Counseling at 570-735-7590 for assistance.”
Bartuska said he spoke with Dennis at practice on Tuesday. Although Nanticoke Area was hit hard by graduation, Bartuska said Dennis was looking forward to the season opener.
“I was with him on the practice field (Tuesday),” Bartuska said late Tuesday night. “He seemed great, energetic, ready to play Friday. I’m shocked, to be honest. I’m stunned.”
Dennis began his head coaching career at Holy Redeemer in 2014, finishing with a 4-16 record in two seasons. When an opportunity arose to coach closer to home, he left for the Central Columbia position.
After Central Columbia finished 4-6 in 2016, Dennis coached the Blue Jays to four consecutive winning records. They lost in the District 2 Class 2A semifinals to Southern Columbia in 2017 and the D2-3A semifinals to Loyalsock in 2019. Central Columbia also lost in the D4-2A quarterfinals in 2018.
Central Columbia finished 5-3 in a 2020 season shortened because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blue Jays struggled in Dennis final season at the helm in 2021, finishing 3-7 and being shut out four times.
Dennis finished with a 36-27 record at Central Columbia.
Funeral arraignments are pending.
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