Seton LaSalle hires Zmijanac as new football coach
When Seton-La Salle High School hired Mike Zmijanac as its varsity football coach, the news drew rave reviews from former Rebels as well as high-profile administrators.
Before serving at Ringgold for one season last year – he compiled an 0-10 record before resigning in November – Zmijanac spearheaded the Aliquippa program. During 21 storied seasons, the Mt. Lebanon resident racked up 237 victories against 36 losses, giving him an astounding 86.8 winning percentage. Zmijanac coached the Quips to six WPIAL championships and one state title. He guided the Quips to 13 district finals and four PIAA championship appearances. His teams posted 11 undefeated regular seasons and compiled a 62-game winning streak.
Additionally, Zmijanac was elected to the Minor Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2016. The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame inductee is the only coach in state history to ever win PIAA titles in both basketball and football.
“I am looking forward to building a successful program in my own community,” he said. “I am enthused to join a school with such a rich history in athletics and academic excellence.”
Noting his impressive resume for winning football games, Tom Donahoe (SLS Class of ’65) added that Zmijanac’s ability for “creating leaders and good citizens” as well as “bringing great energy and commitment to the job” as significant strengths that separated him from the competition, which featured some great candidates for the head coaching position.
“Our students, fans and supporters should be excited about where our program is going,” said Donahue of the hire. Donahue, who is the senior director of player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles, was a former SLS football coach.
“When it comes to wins and losses, Coach Zmijanac’s track record speaks for itself,” concurred Jim Reilly (Class of ’97), “yet I was most impressed with his continued commitment to teaching his players how to play with discipline, integrity, and respect.
“(Zmijanac) is a teacher first and his approach is right in line with our Catholic philosophy. We anticipate that he will have the same profound impact on the lives of our young men that he has had on the lives of so many players over the years.” Reilly added.
School officials were equally enthused about the hire.
Zmijanac has decades of football coaching experience as well as 39 years of teaching. Martin believes that equates to furthering the understanding of an academic and athletic balance in the locker room as well as ensuring that the student athletes reach their fullest potential in the classroom and on the field.
“Mike’s history of winning at Aliquippa combined with Seton-La Salle’s tradition of excellence will ensure a promising future for the Rebel football program,” added Bill Dabaldo, who serves as athletic director.