Dec 12, 2014 3 min read

South Fayette’s offensive coordinator Andrew DiDonato will replace Chris Smith as the head coach of Grove City College football team after the 2015 season. According to the college, DiDonato will join the coaching staff in January as the offensive coordinator and work closely with Smith to “ensure a seamless transition” to the top slot in the program.

After earning Almanac Athlete of the Year honors for his outstanding football and basketball career at South Fayette High School, DiDonato went on to quarterback Grove City’s football team from 2006-2009. After graduation, he served on the coaching staffs at the University of Buffalo and Peters Township before settling in as the offensive coordinator at his former high school. In his three-year tenure, he helped guide the Lions to back-to-back WPIAL championships and two straight appearances in the PIAA state title fray. He also helped direct an explosive offensive system that featured Pennsylvania’s all-time leader in passing yardage, quarterback Brett Brumbaugh.

“Having known Andrew DiDonato for many years as coach and colleague, he is an excellent choice to lead the next generation of Wolverine football and I’m delighted that he is joining our staff,” said Coach Smith. “As I prepare to embark upon my final year as head coach, I’m excited about the prospects for the 2015 season and I am confident in Andrew’s experience and ability to lead our program for many years to come.”

DiDonato said, “Grove City College is a special place for my family and me, so it’s my honor to be selected to continue to grow a solid program. I thank President (Paul) McNulty and Coach Smith for entrusting me with this opportunity.”

A native of Bridgeville, DiDonato graduated as Grove City College’s record holder in career passing yards (7,509), pass completions (750) and touchdown passes (49). He also holds the Wolverines’ season and game records in each of those three categories.

DiDonato concluded his career as a student athlete by earning the College’s Sportsman of the Year award in 2010. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business management in 2010 and a master’s degree in exercise science from California University of Pennsylvania in 2011. He currently serves on the board for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Western Pennsylvania and is the football camp director and coaches’ ministry director for that organization. DiDonato will teach exercise science and physical education courses at Grove City College, in addition to his football responsibilities.

DiDonato and his wife, Andrea, a Grove City alum, currently reside in Cranberry Township.

Meanwhile, Smith will exit as the all-time wins leader in the history of the program at Grove City. Most notably, he earned national and regional acclaim including Presidents’ Athletic Conference championships in 1997 and 1998, and runner-up finishes in 1999 and 2000. He coached eight players to All-American status and five of his former players landed on the PAC’s 60th Anniversary team last August. Four players earned CoSIDA Academic All-American honors, while three players received NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships during his tenure.