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Q&A: Central York boys' coach Kevin Schieler


Kevin Schieler is entering his fifth year as boys' basketball coach at Central York High School. He sat down with GameTimePA.com to talk about the Panthers' upcoming season:

GameTimePA: What is the biggest challenge as head coach?
Kevin Schieler: The least favorite day of anyone’s year is the day of cuts. In our program we have over 100 kids tryout in grades seven through twelve. It’s always tough. Other thing is because we all love it, we pour so much time into it. My wife made a joke the other night, saying, 'See you in March.'

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GTPA: Offense or defense?
KS: I am a defensive nerd. That’s the only reason I ever played high school basketball. If I didn’t play defense I would have never got on the floor for (retired York Catholic coach Mike) Keesey. I am a math teacher and a defensive stats nerd too.

GTPA: What is the difference between you as a coach and you as a player?
KS: I wasn’t this loud as a player. I bet coach wished I was louder as a player. I wasn’t always a leader in high school. I accepted that role more and more every year.

GTPA: Who is your personal/professional role model?
KS: (Central assistant) Coach Joe Falci has been a huge, huge help for my growth bringing him over when I got the job at Central. My personal role model is my father. In high school I played soccer and basketball and he would tell me to write down three good things and three bad things. He taught me a lot about the rewards from the work you put in.

GTPA: What was your best moment as a coach?
KS: Strictly basketball speaking would be throwing the net around my neck at York College (after winning the YAIAA championship). My favorite part is when old players come back and talk.

GTPA: Could you have envisioned all the experiences you had five years ago?
KS: No way. When I got (the) job at Central I so was glad to be at a school that cares so much about basketball. I’ve been so lucky to have involved parents and thank them for their high character kids. It’s made for a fun run in five years.

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