Salinkas named Susky football coach

BY JOBY FAWCETT

Times-Shamrock Writer

Susquehanna named John Salinkas head football coach, filling a vacancy left by Dick Bagnall, who resigned following his 28th season.

Salinkas said has no plans to replace Bagnall’s signature triple-option veer offense.

“The triple option is what I know,” said Salinkas, who is a chemistry and physics teacher at Susquehanna. “Dick Bagnall has been a father-figure to me and is one of the most influential men in my life.

“I wouldn’t expect to see a lot of changes. I like having that little niche about us.”

Salinkas, who played running back and defensive end atBlue Ridgein the early 1980s, served as an assistant coach at Susquehanna for the past 11 seasons.

When Bagnall returned after an eight-year hiatus in 2004, he elevated Salinkas to the offensive line coach.

Together, they built Susquehanna back into a winner after several straight losing seasons. The Sabers won the Lackawanna Football Conference Division III title in 2010 and reached the District 2 Class AA playoffs that season.

“I have a passion for the sport and feel it is such an important part of the enhancement of the students,” said Salinkas, whose son John played for the Sabers. “I am looking forward to working with the kids and making them solid citizens and strong student-athletes.”

Bagnall had a record of 169-129-3. His team’s won Suburban Conference titles in 1975, 1981, 1982 and 1995 and District 2-12 championships in 1994 and 1995.