High School Football: Ahearn gets Williamsport head coaching job

The search for a new football coach at Williamsport High School has ended, and the new man in town comes with familiarity and a track record.

Vince Ahearn, who resigned as head coach at Frederick High School on Jan. 16, has been selected to guide the Wildcats.


Williamsport athletic director Todd Ullery confirmed Ahearn’s selection in an email Tuesday night.

“We are obviously extremely excited to have someone with the experience and background like Vince Ahearn,” Ullery said.

Ahearn took over the Frederick program in 1996, coming from Suitland, Md. He finished 71-100 overall with the Cadets, and his final season was a successful year with a 7-3 record — just missing a playoff berth.

Ahearn succeeds Randy Longnecker, Williamsport’s head coach for four seasons from 2009-12. Longnecker compiled a 14-27 record.

Williamsport’s best season in recent years was a 5-5 campaign in Longnecker’s first season. The Wildcats’ last winning season was 6-4 in 1999.

Ahearn is scheduled to meet his new football troops at the school Friday afternoon to begin preparations for the arduous task of a turnaround.