Milestone moments for coaches

Football coaches Jim Render of Upper St. Clair and Jeff Metheny from Bethel Park reached personal milestones in their careers on Aug. 31.
When USC hung on to beat Peters Township, 16-14, in Allegheny Eight Conference action, Render registered his 400th career victory. Render, who began coaching at Carrollton, Ohio, 49 years ago and spent seven seasons at Uniontown before arriving at USC in 1979, owns a 400-138-6 record with two state championships and five district titles and 22 conference trophies.

By Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
By Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Jim Render earned his 400th career victory when he coached Upper St. Clair to a 16-14 win against Peters Township on Aug. 31, 2018. Render has coached the Panthers for 40 years. He has been in the business for 49.
In the history of the WPIAL, only two other coaches have surpassed 300 victories: Joe Hamilton with 342 at Blackhawk and Woodland Hills’ George Novak with 306. Both are retired. Render is now one of only 29 high school coaches, active or retired, in the United States with 400 victories.
Of the accomplishment’s significance Render quipped, “It means I’m old. Four hundred wins is not about me.”
Render noted the real reason for his success.
“I’ve had 49 years of great players,” said the 76-year-old field general. “I don’t care who you are you’ve got to have players who make plays. I’ve been very blessed and we’ve had players that have made plays.”
Against the Indians, the Pantelis brothers and Jason Sweeney made the plays on offense as they helped USC mount a 16-0 halftime advantage. Sweeney completed 14 of 28 passes for 158 yards and two scores. Chris Pantelis led all receivers with seven catches for 93 yards and a 26-yard TD. Dave Pantelis intercepted two passes on defense, caught three on offense for 37 yards and a 21-yard score.
USC’s defense and special teams made big plays. Anthony Orsini picked off a pass with 10 minutes to play in the final frame. Jason Sweeney’s punt pinned the Indians inside their own 10-yard line. Harvey Rauch registered a sack. Jake Slinger and Rauch combined for a sack, as did James Deiuliis and Jake Stevenson, while Brandon Shearer scored a huge tackle in the final two minutes of play.
“We won the turnover battle. Field position was big. Special teams was big,” said Render. “The quick punt put them in a corner and that was key. There were a lot of great plays and players making a lot of great memories.”
Render and the Panthers hope the memories continue as they visit Baldwin (2-0) for a 7 p.m. conference clash on Sept. 7. The Highlanders are coming off a huge win against Butler, 58-13. In the win, Mason Stahl completed four passes for 149 yards, Angelo Priore rushed for 102 yards, and Jarren Kelly scored three different ways, first on a 93-yard kickoff return, second on a 40-yard pass and third on a 36-yard interception. C.J. Robbins also scored on an interception.
“I’m proud of my players and it had been an exhausting week,” said Render of preparation for Peters Township. “We managed a great team victory but now we have to focus on Baldwin. They’re a good team.”
Meanwhile, Metheny beat a good team and program when he recorded his 200th career victory as Bethel Park trumped Woodland Hills, 41-20.
Metheny, who is in his 25th season at Bethel Park, owns one WPIAL championship. He has guided the Hawks to 17 straight playoff appearances.
He, too, noted personnel as the key to his success.
“I have had great players and great support,” he said. “Two hundred victories is more a program thing than anything. I’m proud of the program, the people I have coached, the guys I coach with and the community.”
For Metheny, it was the perfect Labor Day Weekend. After recording his milestone, he was able to watch his son, Levi, play at Heinz Field. The younger Metheny played on defense and special teams in Albany’s 33-7 loss to the University of Pittsburgh.
The younger Metheny, who started four years for his father at quarterback and linebacker, led the Great Danes with 13 tackles. It was his first collegiate career start against Pitt.
“He played very well,” said Metheny of his son. “It was a great atmosphere and good to be among family and friends.”
As for the weekend Metheny added enthusiastically, “It can’t get any better than that.”