ALBION — Ben Fenell was Northwestern’s starting quarterback the last time he huddled the Wildcats.
The 2003 graduate will do so again this fall.
Only then, he’ll hold an even loftier role for that program.
More than 20 years after Fenell’s last varsity snap, Northwestern’s school board formally hired him Tuesday to coach his alma mater. He received applause from others who attended after his hire was approved.
“This is an honor,” Fenell said. “I’m extremely proud and thankful to the board members and the hiring committee.
“I’ve been coaching on and off (as an assistant) all over the place for 15 years. It was finally time to come home.”
Fenell takes over the Wildcats from Bill Henwood. The former Sharpsville assistant went 5-15 over his two-year head coaching tenure.
Northwestern’s school board also approved the return of Kara Gonzales as its girls volleyball coach and Rich Asmondy as its cross country coach.
More: Mike Krahe steps down as the head football coach at Cathedral Prep
Blood oath
Fenell, whose regular job is with Lord Corp., briefly resumed his football career at Edinboro University. He also competed in field events for the Fighting Scots’ track and field team.
Fenell immediately segued into coaching football upon graduation from Edinboro. Conneaut Valley, East and Seneca were some of the staffs he served on before his recent three-season tenure with Conneaut (Pennsylvania).
Fenell, who was the offensive coordinator for the 2024 Eagles, specifically thanked coach Josh Blood for that opportunity and experience.
“I loved the staff down there and the kids were fabulous,” Fenell said. “They really ignited my love for football.”
Still vacant
Tuesday’s announcement lowered District 10 football’s head coach openings to two.
Jason Wargo resigned at Maplewood last Jan. 8. A day later, Mike Krahe did the same at Cathedral Prep.
Wargo and Krahe each stepped away after three seasons.
Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNcopper.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Northwestern formally hires Ben Fenell as its next football coach
