Rich Fatzinger expected to be named new CCHS boys basketball coach

The surprises continue on the local boys basketball scene.

If you thought Dieruff's hiring of Steve Gabryluk as its new boys coach was a surprise, this one may shock you even more.

Former Parkland coach Rich Fatzinger is expected to be named Central Catholic's new boys mentor on Monday, ending weeks of speculation and rumors about who was -- and wasn't -- applying for the coveted position.

Athletic director Mike Kopp didn't reveal a name, but said that the new coach had been decided and would meet the team on Monday and a release would be issued. No formal press conference will be held.

Fatzinger , who is either 57 or 58 years of age, will succeed Jim Rodgers, who finished out last season after Kyle Kern resigned under pressure in the middle of the season.

Central Catholic finished last season at 13-13, reaching the District 11 3A final before losing to Pottsville.

The Vikings then lost to Danville in the first round of the state tournament.

CCHS remains one of the more prominent programs in area boys basketball with 20 appearances in the district finals since 1985 and 13 D11 titles. The Vikings are also the last District 11 program to win state championships, doing it in 1984 and 1986.

Fatzinger left the coaching ranks two years ago after a 16-year stint with the Parkland boys in which he went 288-147. His teams won three district titles and two Mountain Valley Conference championships while the Trojans were MVC members from 1997-2001.

His teams made 14 consecutive district tournament appearances, and in 2004, the Trojans became the only area team to play in the 4A state finals. After losing to Whitehall four times that season, Parkland went on a remarkable four-game run to reach the PIAA title game before bowing to Penn Hills.

Fatzinger, who is an Allen High graduate, also coached the Parkland girls for 12 years, often going head-to-head against CCHS and Kopp.

He left coaching after the 2007-2008 season to become Parkland's athletic director, but lasted only one year in that role before retiring.

Four of Fatzinger's former assistants are head coaches in the LVC -- Parkland coach Andy Stephens,Northampton mentor Ed Ohlson and Emmaus boss Steve Yoder. Wes Spence is Parkland's girls coach.

FROM KEITH GROLLER