Aliquippa’s Warfield taking ‘leave of absence’
Mike Warfield says football fans will see him at Aliquippa’s stadium this fall, but adds with a laugh that his new job on Friday nights might be selling 50/50 tickets.
Mike Warfield says football fans will see him at Aliquippa’s stadium this fall, but adds with a laugh that his new job on Friday nights might be selling 50/50 tickets.
Surprisingly, the threetime state champion coach won’t be coaching the Quips.
Warfield went 74-6 in six years as head coach at his alma mater but announced Monday he’s taking a “leave of absence” this season. He privately had considered stepping away previously, in part because of work-related commitments, but his decision surely caught many by surprise.
His teams won four WPIAL titles and three state championships.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for the last few years,” said Warfield, a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper who started a new career two years ago with McKesson pharmaceuticals.
“Imagine doing something for 25 or 30 years, jumping into this (coaching position) and then having another occupation with McKeeson that’s challenging,” Warfield added. “It’s time for a little break.”
Aliquippa is coming off a 14-0 season that included the first undefeated state championship in team history. Football teams start heat acclimation for the upcoming season Aug. 5.
In a letter addressed to “Quip Nation,” Warfield said he still would be around to support the football team and the boosters program. He also tried to alleviate any worries that there was some underlying reason for his decision.
“For those who are concerned, I sincerely appreciate that, but don’t be!” he wrote. “My health is good, my family is good and I’m good. After 25 years as a Pennsylvania State Trooper … three years with the United States Attorney’s Office and now working at McKesson Pharmaceuticals, it’s time for a short recess.”
Two of his assistants will run the football program in his place. He said Vashawn Patrick will serve as interim head coach, and Jaleel Fields is associate head coach. Longtime defensive coordinator Dan “Peep” Short also remains with the program along with other assistants.
“I don’t want people to look at this as a negative thing,” Warfield said of his decision. “We have a bright future with the talented coaches that we have.”
