About Ronald J. Pavlechko:

Ron grew up in the Youngstown, Ohio area. He was a student athlete and played football at Penn State where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and earned three varsity football letters. Ron later earned his master’s degree in Secondary Education in 1973 at Penn State.

Coach Pavlechko began work for the State College Area School District as an English teacher and assistant football coach in 1971. In 1977, he was named head football coach while he continued to teach. In 1996 he assumed the position of the school district's full-time Director of Athletics. Ron retired in 2011 after forty years of service to the district, including 25 years as an assistant or Head coach.

Coach Pav achieved impressive success during his coaching career. He served as an assistant under Coach Jim Williams during a time of great program success including a “mythical” state championship in 1973. As head coach, Coach Pavlechko’s 1981 team was undefeated and his 1992 team finished 3rd in the state. Many of Ron’s players advanced to play college at notable division 1, 2, and 3 programs including Penn State, Bucknell, the U.S. Naval Academy, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Harvard, to name a few.

During Ron’s leadership as athletic director the district’s sports programs grew and blossomed as the State College area’s population expanded. Ron was admired for his disciplined planning, the strong support and counsel he offered his coaches, and the class, integrity, and character with which he always represented the district.

This award was created by the SCASD along with former players and members of the Pavlechko family who all are interested in honoring Coach Pavlechko’s memory while encouraging and recognizing excellence amongst the dozens of dedicated coaches in the district who dedicate themselves to coaching young adults.