Published: November 30, 2009 11:00 pm      

Opfar steps down after 8 seasons as St. Francis coach

LORETTO — Dave Opfar felt that it was time for change.

The former Penn State player realized that St. Francis’ football team needed a change at the top – and that he needed a change personally.

As a result, Opfar, who just completed his eighth season at the helm of the team, submitted his resignation to St. Francis.

The school accepted it on Monday.

“It was time for a change. I don’t know how much more I have in me,” Opfar said Monday prior to informing his team of the decision. “There have been some great changes here, and I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had here. They (administration) have been so supportive of me, especially with the trials and tribulations of my personal life.”

Opfar’s life off the field was challenging as his wife, Mary Ann, battled cancer for most of the years of his coaching tenure.

She passed away in February at the age of 45.

Opfar’s team, which competes in NCAA Football Championship Subdivision as a member of the Northeast Conference, finished with a 2-9 record, 1-7 in the NEC.

His overall record is 17-68.

The program improved in many ways during Opfar’s tenure. The facilities received a tremendous upgrade with a donation from Bruno and Lena DeGol and their family that allowed DeGol Field to be constructed. A fieldhouse was also built with the facility, with a weight room in the basement.

Opfar inherited a program in 2002 that had compiled a 2-30 record over three years, with a 23-game losing streak. A former player in the WPIAL and coach at Duquesne and Washington & Jefferson, he used his ties to bring in many Pittsburgh-area players.

Included in this was quarterback Anthony Doria, who rewrote the St. Francis record book, and Michael Caputo, who is the leading receiver in Red Flash and NEC history.

Junior linebacker Scott Lewis, a former Bishop McCort High School standout, became the leading tackler in St. Francis history this season.

Opfar has had his teams on the cusp of big wins, including a loss to Wagner this year in triple overtime in which his team was winning by 17 points entering the fourth quarter.

“It has been the little things,” Opfar said. “It is certainly a better program now that it was when I arrived. I feel good. I know that I gave everything that I had, but I just wish the response would have been different.”

Opfar said that his parents, both in their mid-80s, need his help right now.

They live about two miles from his home in Elizabeth, Allegheny County.

He said that he expects to return to coaching some day as a defensive coach.

St. Francis will advertise the position immediately.

Chris Villarrial, the former NFL lineman and IUP graduate who was offensive coordinator for Opfar last season, will be the interim head coach.