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Central Mountain’s Hook named coach of the year

It was a complete turnaround for coach Billy Hook and the Central Mountain boys soccer program. After going 2-12-1 last season, Hook and his squad managed to win seven games this fall and set the standard for upcoming seasons.

Hook’s ability to help triple his team’s win total and land the Wildcats in the district six title game earned him the 2021 Lock Haven Express soccer coach of the year award.

Hook–who wrapped his fourth season leading the Wildcats–helped lead Central Mountain to its second ever district title appearance. In order to reach the monumental game, the Wildcats had to upset the heavily favorited Raiders of Bellefonte.

Hook and the Wildcats did just that as Central Mountain stunned the Raiders in overtime thanks a game-winning goal from Clayton Foster.

“Coach Martz and Bellefonte have been a very solid program over the last few years, so getting the win over a respected opponent meant a lot.” Hook said in response to the postseason victory. “When the winning goal went in, I took a very deep sigh of relief, just very relieved our guys got to experience that great moment and be on the smiling side of it.”

A Central Mountain graduate who played for the Wildcats from 2005-2009, Hook has always been a big part of the program ever since beginning his coaching career as a junior high coach.

He credits his past coaches as to where he is today in his coaching career.

“I’ve had amazing coaches in my past who I strongly believe made an impact on my growth as a person and player. Coach Stauffer in high school, Rob Eaton for club, Skip Roderick in college who is as decorated as they come, and current girls coach Ryan Veltri was my junior high coach. Each and every one of them just left an impression on me of what I hoped to become as a person. Getting to coach club with Rob Eaton now at STN and working alongside Veltri for CM is very cool and I consider myself very lucky to continue learning from them in everything they do,” Hook said.

Hook led the Wildcats to a record of 7-13 but don’t let the losing record fool you. Despite six more losses, Central Mountain had a goal differential of (-1) prior to losing 4-0 in the district finals to Hollidaysburg.

It was a complete transformation for the men in blue and white.

“This team of 33 guys is just awesome, so seeing their development over the last few years and what they have become both as players and young men is what it’s all about. Seeing them have success and get to experience the highs of winning big games was so awesome,” Hook said.

Hook points to two moments this fall as his most memorable. Both instances include teamwork, unselfishness and pride. Memories that will remain with him forever.

“I’d have to say there are two,” Hook said in response to his favorite moment of this past season. “Taylor Weaver’s winning goal against South Williamsport. That kid has been a mainstay on defense for the last four years. The area knows him as a phenomenal wrestler, I know him also as a phenomenal soccer player and team captain. So, him scoring his first career goal to beat a state ranked South Williamsport at home was fantastic. The second being Gabe Coakley’s goal on Senior Night. First time volley off the post and in from outside the box, that’s a moment that came from him working hard every day for four years and doing everything the right way. The team celebration of that is everything. I have a picture of it on my desktop that I will never lose.”

The Wildcats progression is not finished according to Hook, he wants to see more growth this offseason. Central Mountain’s coach wants to get his team back into playoff action in the coming years and continue to spread the game.

“Just like any coach would say, just keep rolling and building from this season to improve. We lose a huge senior class, but we bring back a number of experienced players who were integral to our team’s success this year. Our main goal will be to continue building the culture these guys have helped create of being great young men with standards, and then we believe that will push towards that next goal of making playoff appearances common and representing our community well in the central PA soccer world,” Hook said.

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