Published: June 23, 2009 11:59 pm      

Greater Johnstown names Cobaugh basketball coach

JOHNSTOWN — Neil Cobaugh has spent 12 years as an assistant to Dave Roman Jr., but now the Ferndale graduate will get the opportunity to replace his mentor as the head basketball coach at Greater Johnstown.

Johnstown’s school board hired Cobaugh on Tuesday night, less than a month after Roman stepped down after one season.

“I’m excited to get started,” Cobaugh said. “I’ve been an assistant for 12 years now. I’m excited to get started. I learned a lot from Dave Roman Jr. I’m excited to help the kids of Johnstown continue what we started last year.”

The Trojans went 18-7 and won the District 6 Class championship last year. Roman, who won 201 games and four District 6 titles at Westmont Hilltop, has returned to coach the Hilltoppers.

“I coached through five district titles, seven or eight district title appearances, a lot of basketball,” Cobaugh said. “I’m excited to continue on what Dave left Johnstown with.”

Cobaugh is a special needs instructor at Johnstown and works with the football and track and field teams. He has been the Trojans’ head track coach for the past three seasons.

He has been an assistant coach for the football team for six years, including the past two as associate head coach.

“I’m excited about (being named the head basketball coach) because I work there and work with these kids on a regular basis in every sport,” Cobaugh said.

He’s hoping to build on the school’s proud history.

“Johnstown’s got a storied athletic tradition that I’d like to continue. I’d like to bring it to the forefront of our area. I’d like people to look at Johnstown and respect us for our athletics and our academics. It’s an exciting time.”