Jim Cantafio Announces departure from Cedar Cliff to focus on new role as Director of Football operations at Spooky Nook

Written by: David Mika on Monday, December 9th, 2013. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

32 Year Career As Head Football Coach; Achieves Record of 263-95-2

December 9, 2013–  SVS Sports Director and current Head Football Coach at Cedar Cliff High School,  Jim Cantafio, has announced that he will be leaving the Colts Football Program and a Head Coaching Career spanning 32 years effective immediately. Cantafio cited personal reasons combined with his new role as Director of Football Operations at Spooky Nook Sports.

“I would like to personally thank the Cedar Cliff Administration for providing the opportunity to lead the football program and be a part of the Colts family, including players, parents, coaches, teachers and students for the last 6 years,” Cantafio said. “I want to offer a special thanks to all of the players that I have had the pleasure of working with during my time at Cedar Cliff. Their commitment, work ethic, and attitude have always been tremendous and I will miss them greatly.”

In his 6 seasons at Cedar Cliff, Cantafio averaged 7 wins per season and guided the Colts to 5 Playoff appearances and the Mid Penn Keystone Championship in 2013.

The opportunity at Spooky Nook is significant. As the top indoor sports facility in the country, it will allow me to teach and instruct kids throughout PA, the Northeast and at a national level as well.

“This was a very difficult decision for me and my family. I have enjoyed my time at Cedar Cliff working with terrific young men and will always appreciate the community support that we had there as well.”

Cantafio has helped many of his players reach the next level including Virginia Tech-bound, Nike Elite 11 Selection & Gatorade Player of the Year (Pennsylvania), Andrew Ford. Ford threw for 2,776 yards and 35 touchdowns this season, leading Cedar Cliff to a 9-2 record, including a thrilling upset over Bishop McDevitt, and a berth in the District 3-AAAA playoffs. He completed 161 of 238 passes in being named the Mid-Penn Keystone Division’s offensive player of the year.

“I’ve been a head coach for 32 years and the timing for this seemed right. Spooky Nook presents a terrific opportunity to expand my instructional reach and is also located closer to my home in Lancaster which will allow me to spend more time with my wife and family.”

Coach Cantafio is Spooky Nook Sports’ Director of Football Operations. In this capacity, Coach Cantafio oversees all football related activities in the facility which will events from Susquehanna Valley Sports (SVS, Inc.).  Beginning during the 2013-2014 season, Coach Cantafio and his staff will hold all SVS and East Coast Elite Quarterback, Wide Receiver and football training sessions at Spooky Nook Sports.

COACH CANTAFIO’S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Coach Cantafio’s ability to develop winning quarterbacks has made him one of the most successful high school coaches on the East Coast. His coaching strategies have earned him 263 career wins at the high school level and a spot in the Pennsylvania Football Hall of Fame.

Through his instruction and guidance, Cantafio has seen many of his high school quarterbacks go on to play football at the next level including Virginia Tech-bound, Nike Elite 11 Selection & Gatorade Player of the Year (Pennsylvania), Andrew Ford. Ford threw for 2,776 yards and 35 touchdowns this season, leading Cedar Cliff to a 9-2 record, including a thrilling upset over Bishop McDevitt, and a berth in the District 3-AAAA playoffs. He completed 161 of 238 passes in being named the Mid-Penn Keystone Division’s offensive player of the year. Another student was Michigan All-American and Rose Bowl Quarterback and current Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback, Chad Henne. Coach Cantafio is the only coach in Pennsylvania to win three district championships at three different schools in the 1990s.

CAREER SUMMARY

32 years Head Football Coach

Coaching Record 263-95-2 Average 8.2 wins/year

– 12 League Championships

– Average 8.2 wins per season

– Won League Championships at 4 different schools

– Won District Championships at 3 different schools in the 90’s. 1st coach in PA history

– Only coach in PA football history to have two QBs selected to the Nike Elite 11.

– PA Big 33 Head Coach 1998

– QB coach for the Under Amor All American Game 2013

– Ten Coach of the Year Honors

– Took over the Conestoga Valley Football Program in the fall of 1980. In 1977, CV was 2-8, 1978 CV was 3-7, and in 1979 CV was 4-6. Won 5 Lancaster Lebanon League Championships in his first 6 years on the job.

– Took over Wyoming Valley West in the fall of ‘95. (Valley West was 2-9 in 93, 1-8-1 in 94). In 3 years there Valley West won 27 games, Wyoming Valley Conf. Championship and a District 2 Quad a championship in 97.

– Took over the Wilson West Lawn Football Program in the fall of 1998. In 8 seasons guided the Bulldogs to 4 League Championships and a District 3 AAAA Championship.

– Took over the Cedar Cliff Program in the fall of 2008. In 2005 CC was 2-8, in 2006 CC was 4-6, and in 2007 CC was 4-6. In his 6 seasons at Cedar Cliff, averaged 7 wins per season and guided the Colts to 5 Playoff appearances and the Mid Penn Keystone Championship in 2013.

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