News Summary

Joe Bernard has been appointed as the new head coach for the Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks football team. With over 40 years of experience, Bernard aims to enhance the team’s performance and nurture young athletes. This marks a significant return for Bernard, who previously coached at Bethlehem Catholic and has an impressive history leading various teams to championships. His focus on fundamentals, discipline, and accountability is expected to bring renewed energy and success to the program as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Exciting Times Ahead for Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks

In a thrilling turn of events for fans of high school football, the city of Bethlehem welcomes back a familiar face to lead the Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks as their new head coach. Joe Bernard, a seasoned coach with an impressive track record, has officially been appointed to take the helm of the football program, a move that’s got everyone buzzing with anticipation.

The announcement, made by the school’s athletic director, Stephen Tomaszewski, on a bright Monday morning, marked a significant moment for both the team and the community. With over 40 years of coaching experience under his belt, Bernard is no stranger to the field—having spent decades shaping young athletes into formidable competitors.

A Coaching Journey Full of Success

Bernard’s coaching journey began back in the early 1980s when he first stepped onto the sidelines at Bethlehem Catholic himself, learning the ropes from legends Chuck Sonon and Bob Stem. From 1982 to 1984, he laid the groundwork for what would ultimately become a long and successful coaching career.

Through the years, he led the Nazareth High School football team to two Colonial League championships between 1990 and 1995, recording an impressive overall record of 37-29-1. His eye for talent and ability to motivate players became evident during his time at Stroudsburg High School, where he notched two Mountain Valley Conference championships and a record of 19-5 from 2011 to 2012.

Bernard’s journey didn’t stop in Pennsylvania. He ventured to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 2013, serving as the offensive coordinator at Carolina Forest High School, where he continued to hone his coaching prowess. On the collegiate level, Bernard’s experience is equally noteworthy, with 11 seasons as the special teams coordinator at the University of Albany and stints at Duquesne, the University of Pittsburgh, and Fairfield University where he led the program to a record of 10-11 in 2001 and 2002.

Building a Football Culture

With Bernard returning to Bethlehem Catholic, he brings not only vast knowledge of the game but also a passion for mentoring young athletes. Tomaszewski highlighted Bernard’s stability, leadership, and enthusiasm as invaluable components that will enhance the football program and improve the student-athlete experience. The release announcing Bernard’s appointment described it as “a full-circle moment” in his career.

Fans can look forward to a focus on the essentials of the game as Bernard aims to build a team centered around fundamentals, strength, speed, discipline, and accountability. He is committed to fostering an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field. The goal is to create a tight-knit team that can make rapid progress and uphold the Golden Hawk legacy.

A New Chapter Begins

Bernard takes over from Tyler Ward, who recently resigned after two seasons and accepted a head coaching position at Calvert Hall College High School in Maryland. During Ward’s tenure, the Golden Hawks finished with a record of 13-13 and made two consecutive appearances in the District 11 4A title games, claiming the championship in 2023. That’s a tough act to follow, but with Bernard’s extensive experience, there’s a renewed sense of hope and excitement among players and fans alike.

As Joe Bernard settles back into his role at Bethlehem Catholic, everyone is excited to see how this talented coach will shape the future of Golden Hawk Football. With an enriching history and a vision for growth, the upcoming season promises to be one to remember!

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