Stefanek would be a good choice for Palmerton boys hoops job

FROM KEITH GROLLER

I don’t know if boys basketball programs like Lehighton and Palmerton can ever be turned around to the point of championship-contention.

But if I was an administrator at one of those schools, I’d at least want my program to be competitive and make it an enjoyable experience for the kids. At the very least, teach these kids some basketball and give them an opportunity to play the game at the next level, if that’s their desire.

I think Lehighton did the right thing by hiring Rich Oertner last week, and Palmerton could give its program a much needed boost by hiring former Marian Catholic coach Mick Stefanek.

Mark Maholick, who had finished the season as the interim coach, has withdrawn his name from consideration after not getting enough support from the school board. Maholick, I have heard, may join Oertner’s staff at Lehighton where he’s a teacher.

So, Palmerton is back to the drawing board and conducting interviews this coming week.

A reliable source told me that Stefanek is one of those who will be given an interview.

I haven’t done a lot of Marian basketball stuff over the years, but Stefanek was a winner in his time with the Colts.

His record at Marian was outstanding, 168-114 in 11 seasons. Over the last five years of his tenure, he was 92-42 and his teams played in two district finals, winning one.

They were also in the Schuylkill League playoffs three straight seasons – 2008 to 2010 – and lost in the finals to Pottsville, which went on to beat Central Catholic for the district title, in 2010.

Stefanek resigned in July of last year, leaving the Marian program in good shape.

But perhaps one of the best reasons for Palmerton to hire Stefanek is that he’s a 7th grade social studies teacher in the district and has the opportunity to get to know the kids just as they are becoming interested in playing high school sports.

That’s where you need to reach out to the kids, get them interested, get them involved.

I don’t know who else might be interested in this position, considering Palmerton’s recent history.

However, if Stefanek is interested, and I am told he is, those in charge should give him some serious consideration.

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