Faith, Football and the Future: Coaching couple inspires youth football team and community
By Kristine Rilling
02/11/2025
In every community, the values of teamwork, mentorship and shared purpose often extend far beyond their original settings. Take, for example, a husband-and-wife coaching pair on a youth football field. Their dedication to shaping young athletes mirrors the same vision and care needed in cultivating faith.
Meet Scott and Lisa Wolfgang, residents of Reynoldsville and parishioners at Holy Spirit Parish, which encompasses the DuBois, Reynoldsville, Sykesville and Falls Creek regions. For the past 27 years, they have been coaching the Falcons youth football team.
The Falcons call the town of Reynoldsville home. Nestled just outside of DuBois, Reynoldsville is known as a good place to experience “small town America.”
As Scott and Lisa moved on to retirement from coaching, they shared with Faith magazine some insight into their world of youth sports and the call for vision, adaptability and a profound dedication to fostering spiritual growth.
Q: HOW DID YOU BOTH START COACHING YOUTH FOOTBALL AND WHAT INSPIRED THIS COMMITMENT?
SCOTT: It all began in 1997 when a family friend and my coach growing up reached out to ask if I’d help coach. I had no idea this decision would lead to 27 years of teaching and coaching. Thank God I said yes! Coaching has become my calling, helping young men and women develop strong work ethics, moral character and a love for football.
LISA: I met Scott during his first year of coaching. Having been a cheerleader in high school, then-head coach Jim Horner invited me to assist with the cheerleaders. By the following year, I stepped into a leadership role, eventually transitioning to managing the team’s fundraising, equipment and concession stand. It’s been such a blessing to be part of this journey.
Q: WHAT KEPT YOU MOTIVATED OVER NEARLY THREE DECADES OF VOLUNTEER COACHING?
SCOTT: The kids and families kept us going. It’s been an honor to help young people grow into strong individuals on and off the field. It has been incredibly rewarding to see them succeed, watch their hard work pay off and build relationships with players, coaches and parents.
LISA: We’ve seen so many kids grow up and become positive forces in their communities. Knowing we’ve played a role in shaping their values and teamwork skills through football is what made it all worthwhile.
Q: HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH AND VALUES INTO YOUR COACHING?
SCOTT: Faith has always been central to our coaching. We recite the Lord’s Prayer before every game and challenge the kids to use prayer in both good and challenging times. It’s about encouraging them to do good things on and off the field and celebrating those moments together.
LISA: Our faith ties directly into the values we teach — teamwork, respect and dedication. We’ve always felt God’s call in this work, and even now, as we step away, we see his plan unfolding with the next generation of coaches ready to carry on the tradition.
Q: HOW HAS THIS WORK IMPACTED YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUR FAITH?
SCOTT: Coaching aligns perfectly with the Second Vatican Council’s call to bring the Gospel into everyday life. As a player, we prayed before every game, and I’ve carried that tradition forward. A recent story stands out — a former player showed me a cross necklace with a football and the Lord’s Prayer. We loved it so much that we got one for the whole team this year. It’s a meaningful way to connect faith and football.
LISA: Our work has always been about building a sense of community. Through football, we’ve taught values that resonate beyond the field, creating a legacy of teamwork, faith and mutual respect.
Q:WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY?
SCOTT: Once a Falcon, always a Falcon! Thank you, Reynoldsville, for the countless opportunities to make a difference and for the lifelong friendships we’ve built.
LISA: We’re deeply honored to have served Reynoldsville for the past 27 years. This community has given us more blessings and memories than we could have ever imagined.
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