Etowah Names Football Head Coach

The named Dave Svehla the football head coach tonight.

“I have been a football head coach for 13 years, but feel the same excitement as Year One," Svehla said.

Svehla headed El Paso Gridley High School's football team in Illinois for two seasons. He has also worked as a head coach for 11 years spanning from Lincoln Northeast and Raymond Central high schools in Nebraska, seven and four years respectively. He made eight state playoff appearances including two trips to the quarterfinals and one state semi-final.

"I want this program to be more than just what happens on the turf on Friday nights," Svehla said. "I want it to be something that our players are proud to be a part of, and something they will remember the rest of their lives.”

Etowah Principal Keith Ball said Svehla is a natural leader.

"We are anxious for the players and community to get to know him and recognize what he has to offer Etowah High School,” Ball said.

Svehla is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, where he lettered in both football and baseball. He was first-team all-conference three times for football and once for baseball. He still holds NMSU football records for tackles in a season and career. He was also honored as a member of the 75th anniversary All-Bearcat football team and is a member of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

He and his wife of 18 years, Cheri, have three children: Taylor, 14; Avery, 8; and Jackson, 12.

Etowah High School is a National Blue Ribbon School. Etowah's athletic teams will compete in , during 2012-13.