Archbishop Wood coach Krantz retires after 36 years

After a career that spanned nearly four decades as the Archbishop Wood boys head soccer coach, Joe Krantz has decided to retire from manning the sidelines for the Vikings. If there is ever a good time to hang it up Krantz was able to cash in on great timing.

After retiring from teaching in June, Krantz got his Vikings in the PIAA Class AAA playoffs after winning the District 12 title combined with a team that featured 14 seniors he decided that the time was right.

“I’m 65 years old, we won the (district) championship with 14 seniors,’ Krantz said of his decision. “It was sort of time to go.’

While Krantz will not be calling the shots on the Wood sideline next year, he says he will remain a part of the program and make some appearances as a spectator next season. As his role will be as a fan next year, Krantz admits one of the things he will miss the most about coaching is the competition.

“I love competing,’ he said. “I’ll still be around. I’ll still watch some games but it won’t be the same.’

Throughout his coaching tenure at Wood, Krantz’s love for competition was apparent as his goal for his team every year was to compete. Krantz made his teams competitive by a commitment to teaching technique and working on every player’s strengths and weakness.

“We wanted to be competitive every year, and I think in general we were,’ Krantz said. “I think every team that played us knew they were going to be in for a game.’

Although it seems like it would be tough to replace a coach that has been steering the program for the last 36 years, assistant coach Hugh Kelly is a candidate to replace Krantz. Kelly has been Krantz’s assistant for nearly 30 years.

Not only would the program be in good hands with Kelly if he were to take over the Viking program, but Krantz has left whoever takes over a pretty “stocked cupboard.”

“I think it would be very beneficial to the kids. He deserves a shot,’ said Krantz of the potential hire of Kelly. “I’m leaving a pretty solid program so whoever comes will have something to work with,’

Krantz credits mostly his opportunity to teach at Wood and being a part of great student athletes to afford him a nearly 40 year coaching career at the same school.

“It’s always good if you’re coaching at the school you’re working at,’ said Krantz of his lengthy tenure. “I’m not one for changing just for the sake of changing.’