Dave Hess

It is our distinct pleasure to present Dave Hess, class of 1977, as a new member of the Selinsgrove Area High School Athletics Hall of Fame. Dave’s journey through high school and college athletics, coaching, and community service exemplifies the qualities of a true Hall of Famer.

Dave’s athletic ability was evident during his high school years, where he excelled in football and track. Only a two-year track athlete, Dave consistently placed in the shot put his senior year, and he took a bronze medal at the district championship meet in 1977.

On the football field, Dave was a formidable two-way starter at tackle, earning the honor of team captain in his senior year on Coach Bill Scott’s first championship team. His leadership and skill were recognized when he was named Player of the Week in a game against Northwest, and Lineman of the Week on four different occasions during his senior year. Dave’s exceptional performance led to his selection as a first-team All-Star on both offense and defense by the Susquehanna Valley Conference, the Daily Item, and the Reading Eagle All-Anthracite team. He was also the highest vote-getter and team captain in the 1976 Susquehanna Valley Athletes vs. MS All-Star game.

Dave continued his athletic career at Lock Haven University, where he was a four-year starter as a defensive lineman. Dave helped lead the team to a historic win in the Pennsylvania Conference championship game in 1979. His contributions were further recognized when he was invited back as an honorary captain in 2016. In 2017, Dave and several teammates founded the “Gray Eagles Football Club,” raising over $250,000 to support scholarships for the Lock Haven University Football team. Dave’s role as founder and president of the club highlights his commitment to giving back to his alma mater.

Dave graduated from LHU in 1981, accepted his first teaching job in 1982, and earned his Master’s Degree from Bloomsburg University in 1988. He spent 32 years in Special Education, leading many groundbreaking projects as a Special Education Teacher and the Selinsgrove district’s Transition Coordinator. Dave also spent many years as Selinsgrove’s representative on the Union/Snyder Transition Coordinating Council and with that group, developed and presented the council’s model programs across the state and nationally. Dave was asked to present Project Adapt, a groundbreaking methodology of integrating learning-disabled students into the regular education curriculum, during in-service programs with the Selinsgrove district and many others. In 2005, Dave received the Annie Sullivan Award, given each year to one person within the central Susquehanna region who has achieved uncommonly wonderful things while serving special needs students.

Dave’s role as an assistant coach at Selinsgrove spanned 25 years, during which he served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for Coach Bill Scott. His expertise contributed to numerous district championships and state competition victories. Dave also coached boys and girls track as a throwing coach, further demonstrating his versatility and dedication to athletics.

In 2008, Dave was appointed head football coach at Selinsgrove, leading the team to the state semi-finals in his first year. His coaching know-how reached its pinnacle in 2009 when Selinsgrove won its first state championship in football. Over his seven years as head coach, Dave’s teams achieved an impressive record of 62 wins and 30 losses, securing four District 4 AAA titles and two Heartland Athletic Conference championships. Dave’s excellence was recognized with multiple Coach of the Year awards, including the AP Big School Coach of the Year in 2008 and the PA Sports Writers Coach of the Year in 2009.

Even after stepping away from coaching for 9 years, Dave returned as a volunteer assistant coach in 2024, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the Selinsgrove football program.

Dave’s dedication to the Selinsgrove community extends beyond athletics. He ran for a position on the school board and has served as its president, earning respect for his leadership and commitment to education. Inspired by his involvement with Lock Haven’s Hall of Fame committee, Dave spearheaded the creation of the Selinsgrove Area High School Hall of Fame. As president and Master of Ceremonies for three years, Dave’s vision and hard work brought this dream to reality.

Dave Hess’s contributions to athletics, coaching, and community service make him an outstanding candidate for the Selinsgrove Area High School Athletic Hall of Fame. It is time for Dave Hess to be honored among the greats who have shaped the legacy of Selinsgrove athletics.