Eric Kasperowicz Named Pine-Richland's Head Football Coach

Pine-Richland has a new head football coach—Eric Kasperowicz.

The Pine-Richland School Board made it official Monday night.

Kasperowicz, who served as the program's offensive coordinator, fills the void left when longtime coach Clair Altemus announced his retirement after the 2012 season.

"I'm excited for the opportunity and eager to get started," Kasperowicz said after the meeting.

Before coming to Pine-Richland, Kasperowicz coached and played at North Hills High School under legendary coach Jack McCurry.

Kasperowicz said it was a "privilege and an honor" to work with McCurry, but he did not give any thought to applying for the North Hills head coaching job to replace his former coach.

He said he moved his family to the area two and a half years ago and put his North Hills past behind him, wanting to make his own legacy at Pine-Richland.

Kasperowicz and his wife, Jennifer, who is a health and physical education teacher at Shaler Area Elementary, have three children—Ella, 9; Eric, 6; and Emlyn, 4.

This is his third year at PR, he said, after 12 years coaching at North Hills.

"I'm looking forward to starting a new era in Pine-Richland football," the new head coach said.

Asked what that era's hallmarks will be, Kasperowicz answered "character and hard work".

Kasperowicz said he does not plan any major changes for the football program.

"I'll tweak a few things here and there," he said, and emphasized doing "the little things right."

"We've got a great group of kids," he said. "We look to battle in every game we're in."

Kasperowicz still works at North Hills High School as a health and education teacher.

His football career there is legendary.

Kasperowicz was a four-year starter at quarterback and safety and led NHHS to its first AAAA WPIAL and Pennsylvania State Championship. He was named Parade All-American, Pennsylvania State AAAA Player of the Year and was the quarterback in the prestigious Big 33 All-Star game. 

He attended the University of Pittsburgh on a football scholarship, lettering for four years. He started as a linebacker in his last two years there.

Although the football program has been in limbo since Altemus announced his retirement, Kasperowicz took it in stride.

"It's well worth the wait. It makes it that much sweeter."

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