Jones resigns as Boyertown coach
Successor to Ventresca steps away after 2 seasons
– Boyertown wrestling coach Dave Jones upon resigning from the position
He had been a valued member of the Boyertown wrestling fraternity, in a number of different capacities, for a number of years.
But now, Dave Jones is stepping away from a program in which he competed as a grappler and coach.
Jones outlined his decision to step away from his head-coaching post at Boyertown High, for the 2019-20 season, in an e-mail letter to the “Boyertown Wrestling Family” last week. He also advised the high school of his decision last Tuesday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter,” Jones said. “Wrestling has been my passion for the last 18 years; and I cannot express the impact the sport and community of Boyertown have played in my life (and will continue to do,”
In his letter, Jones alluded to situations that ran counter to his goals as a coach ... situations that
“I was encouraged and was ensured my vision was aligned with the program’s vision ... However, due to recent events and conversations, I believe we are presently on different paths.”
made it difficult for him to continue in the capacity.
“I was encouraged and was ensured my vision was aligned with the program’s vision,” he said. “This vision was to give each wrestler the most positive athletic experience possible. We want to develop character by utilizing the priceless life lessons that are inherent within the sport of wrestling. We want each wrestler to be successful on the mat, in the classroom, and in life.
“However, due to recent events and conversations, I believe we are presently on different paths.”
In the two years since taking over for Pete Ventresca — he had been an assistant on Ventresca’s staff during his final (2016-17) season — Jones compiled a 29-17 overall record. He had a 6-4 mark in the Pioneer Athletic Conference’s Liberty Division those two seasons.
One unique aspect for Jones was coaching his younger brother, Elijah, during his final scholastic campaign. Elijah, a 2018 graduate who’s gone on to wrestle collegiately at Division I Lehigh University, capped a 13245 career by winning PAC, District 1-AAA Central and South East AAA Regional titles before placing fourth at 195 in the PIAA Class AAA Tournament.
“As a reflection of my vision,” Jones further stated in his letter, “my priority list is God first, family second and job and wrestling third. My calendar reflects these priorities. My life reflects these values. My coaching reflects these goals.
“I have heard, felt and seen a push for me as the head coach to have a calendar, life, and coaching that is in opposition to my priorities, values, and goals. I cannot allow a compromise in these priorities, values, or goals in terms of my calendar, life or coaching.”
Boyertown athletic director Nick Palladino, in a phone interview Monday, described his response to Jones’ announcement as “shocked.”
“I didn’t see it coming at all,” Palladino said. “We were extremely happy with the way Dave ran the program,” he said. “He’s motivated and a good role model for students.
“Nothing changed in the last 25 years,” he added, “with (coaches) Bruce Hallman and Pete Ventresca.”
Jones fashioned his own solid legacy as a wrestler in the Boyertown program prior to his graduation in 2007,
A four-year varsity competitor wrestling in the 145- to 171-pound range, Jones compiled a 102-44 career record. His senior season, Jones was champion both in the District 1 Section 4 and District 1 Central tournaments, and second in the South East AAA Regional while qualifying for states.
He also served as varsity head coach at Boyertown Middle School-West. The three years preceding his move to the high school, Jones had a 19-22 record; his best individual seasons were 2013-24 (10-7 record) and 2015-16 (8-5).
“I am a product of this sport and program,” Jones said. “I learned outside the program and brought it back in order to give back. Upon my return, I was welcomed in. I love this family.”
His letter keeps open the possibility Jones could return to the sport in some capacity.
“I do not believe this is ‘goodbye forever’; only ‘see you later’,” he said. “I hope to help in a smooth transition for the next coach, and believe great things are on the horizon. I welcome your questions and conversations and will continue to support the family and program as best I can.”
Palladino noted school officials will make a decision this week about taking one of two courses of action: Designating an “interim” head coach for the coming season — he cited the short time frame until the winter sports get into action — or finding a permanent replacement.
“Right now, we’re working to get the job posted,” he said. “We hope by the middle of the week to know the direction we’ll take.”