SKANEATELES — At a recent Skaneateles Board of Education meeting, two experienced and dedicated individuals were appointed as new varsity coaches of two successful Skaneateles Athletics programs. Longtime boys’ varsity soccer assistant coach Pete O’Connor was promoted to head coach of the program, while highly-regarded newcomer Jay Steinhorst was named as varsity football coach.
O’Connor had most recently served as the varsity assistant coach of the boys’ soccer team. During that tenure, the Skaneateles soccer program amassed over 200 wins, six Section III championships, five NYSPHSAA regional championships, and three NYSPHSAA State championships. Prior to O’Connor’s experience with the varsity team, he was the head coach of the boys’ junior varsity soccer team for three years. O’Connor is currently a fourth-grade teacher at State Street Intermediate School and is also the assistant coach of the boys’ varsity lacrosse team.
“For over a decade, Mr. O’Connor has been a loyal, dedicated, and hard-working assistant coach,” said Steve Musso, director of student wellness, activities, and athletics. “I have no doubt that he will build off the strong traditions established over the past several years and keep Skaneateles soccer rolling into the future.”
Steinhorst brings an impressive resume and skill set to his new position as the Skaneateles varsity football coach. He was previously with the Cazenovia varsity football program, amassing a record of 217-59-1, nine Section III championships, and one State championship. Specifically, as head coach from 2015-2018, Steinhorst tallied a record of 39-5 with his teams appearing in four Class B Section III finals, winning two Class B Section III championships, and winning the NYSPHSAA Class B State Championship in 2015, which was Cazenovia’s first and only state championship. In his previous positions as a coach and physical education teacher, Steinhorst built a positive rapport with students and adults alike.
“Mr. Steinhorst’s experience, enthusiasm, passion for teaching and learning, and knowledge of the game of football make him a great fit for us,” said Musso. “His philosophy toward extracurricular activities and student-first approach all align very well with the Skaneateles Central School District and Athletic Program’s mission and vision. He will be a positive role model for our students and a tremendous asset as the leader of our football program.”
Each coach will have the opportunity to build a coaching staff and implement offseason training programs before the soccer and football regular seasons begin in fall 2022.
