HONESDALE — The Paul Russick Era of Hornet football is officially over.
In an exclusive interview with The Tri-County Independent, Honesdale’s head football coach has confirmed that he’s accepted an offer to take the reins at his alma mater, Pittston Area.
“It was a gut-wrenching decision,” Russick said just a few hours after the school board meeting during which he was hired. “It’s always been my dream to return and lead the program I grew up in. And, in the end I have to do what I think is best for my family.”
Russick was hired back in 2020 to take over for Mike Jurkowski. He spent the past five years coaching both football and track for the Hornets.
“I’ve loved my time at Honesdale,” he said. “My goal here was always to leave the program in better shape than I found it. And, I think that’s the case. I’ve built some pretty incredible relationships here and coached some great kids. It’s going to be really hard to say goodbye.”
The Hornets posted an overall record of 20-30 during Russick’s tenure, qualifying for the district tournament three times.
Pittston Area is coming off a 2-9 campaign. The Patriots were defeated by Delaware Valley, 38-15, in the Class 5A playoffs.
More: How a big senior class achieved its goal of reviving Honesdale football program
Also by Kevin Edwards: Honesdale well-represented at 11th Annual LFC Media Day
Story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale head football coach Paul Russick leaving for Pittston Area
