History and psychology teacher Mr. David Keefer has been hired as the new Southmoreland head football coach for the upcoming 2018 season. Mr. Keefer already has plans in motion for any Southmoreland boys interested in playing in the upcoming season.

“I want to try to get the numbers up,” said Mr. Keefer. “We’re in a new section with teams we haven’t played in a while, so I’m setting goals high to hopefully become a consistent playoff team.”

Mr. Keefer believes that success begins in the off season. He wants to get as many potential players as he can into the weight room as soon as possible. He also has plans in motion for assembling the assistant coaching staff.

“I have a couple guys on board and I’ve reached out to some others,” said Mr. Keefer. “My brother Mark is a weight room guru who has been coaching for a really long time. I want to have him as my offensive coordinator. I have a coach from Ringgold and a former Southmoreland player on board, too.”

According to athletic director Mr. Charlie Swink, the assistant coaches should be approved by the school board in February.

“He wants to jump right in,” said athletic director Mr. Charlie Swink about the new head coach. “I know he has big plans for this season and he wants to get right into the weight room.”

For the time being, Mr. Keefer wants to involve the younger generations with the high school program.

“I was invited to the midget program’s banquet,” said Mr. Keefer. “I will be attending and I want to get to know the younger players and teach them the terminology I use. That way can be better prepared when they get to high school.”