Haddad guided a total team effort
Al Haddad, the highly successful leader of a Parkland program that this year claimed its fifth District 11 title in six seasons, is The Morning Call’s Coach of the Year.
Haddad had plenty of help from his assistant coaches this season, however.
It was a true team effort in 2020 for the Trojans — from the staff to the players.
Haddad, who owns a 277-55-16 career record in 14 seasons, contracted COVID-19 late in the season while caring for a son, who had earlier contracted the coronavirus.
Haddad missed Parkland’s last Eastern Pennsylvania Conference game and its three District 11 Class 4A playoff contests, including a satisfying 2-0 victory over previously unbeaten Nazareth in the championship showdown.
He was out for 24 days but returned for a 3-0 PIAA playoff win over Williamsport.
“When it rains, it pours,” said Haddad, who tested positive for COVID-19 a day after his 60th birthday. “One of my symptoms was this horrible cough, and on a day I was trying to get fresh air, I bent over to pick up a piece of paper and threw out my back.”
Cleared of the coronavirus, Haddad spent the District 11 semifinal and final in his bed with a bad back, then was in the hospital on the morning of the state semifinal with kidney stones. He recovered and coached his Trojans in a 4-3 overtime loss to Pennridge that night, ending Parkland’s season at 14-1.
Haddad praised the contributions of his assistant coaches — longtime friend and JV head coach Jim Bus — who assumed the varsity duties in Haddad’s absence — Lauren Petri, Aly Barlok and Becky Wakeman.
“I am very humbled to accept the [coach of the year] honor,” Haddad, a husband to wife Jeanne, father of three and grandfather of two, said. “But please refer to it as staff of the year.”