At its Feb. 14 meeting, the school board voted to hire a new head varsity football coach, Mr. Tim Dubovi. Upon the resignation of the current assistant principal Mr. Frank Hernandez as head coach in late 2012, the board began seeking new avenues of employment for the sport’s leader. Dubovi’s previous football experience began in the days of junior high, where he played football until receiving an athletic scholarship for Lock Haven University in high school. Dubovi not only played college football but also began coaching while he was still receiving his education. Upon graduating from Lock Haven, he was hired at Mars High School as the assistant football coach. After coaching at Lock Haven, Mars and Seneca Valley for a combined total of 14 years, Dubovi applied and was hired for the job at Freedom. Out of 34 candidates who applied for the head coaching position, Dubovi was chosen by the board and athletic director, Mr. John Rosa. “The original [hiring] committee was myself, Dr. Fuller, and Mr. Dadich,” Rosa said. Choosing Dubovi “was pretty clear-cut. Coach Dubovi stood out significantly in the process.” Dozens of potential hires were narrowed down to approximately 10, who were interviewed by Rosa, Dadich, and Fuller. The 10 finalists were narrowed down to three, who were interviewed by the school board. “The motion was made to hire Coach Dubovi, and it was passed five [votes to] one. The other candidates weren’t voted on” by the board, Rosa said. Dubovi has several goals set in place for the future of the football program. “My first goal is to turn out respectful students, football players and people in the community,” Dubovi said. “I [also] want the community to rally behind the team to make it special,” he said. Dubovi also said he is excited to face the challenges presented by being the new coach, but acknowledges that “change is always hard.” Not only is Dubovi looking forward to being Freedom’s newest head football coach, some upcoming football players are also anticipating the arrival of the newest member of the coaching staff. “Everything changes in life; you might as well get used to it sooner or later,” Junior Jared Hogue said. Despite the change, Hogue and Rosa are optimistic for the future of the football program.