Mystery Classmate 120

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Milton Koutavas, Mary Brandenstein Curran, Greg Markantone, Christine Trinchero Haddad, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Stu Cohen, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Michele McClelland, Doug Kull, and Rich Reschoff, all of whom correctly identified Eric Kostic (’85) as Mystery Classmate #118 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Eric is about to begin his first season as head football coach at Saltsburg Middle/High School, where he is also the school principal. Eric previously served as head football coach for 10 years at McDonough High School in Charles County, Md., before moving to Greater Latrobe High School, where he filled the role of defensive coordinator from 1999 to 2001.

"At McDonough, we developed a pretty good program," he said. "It was an exciting time," including repeat conference titles and a trip to the state finals at the end of one season. He said a highlight of his time on the Latrobe staff was the team's trip to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades.

Eric also taught in the Latrobe school system and worked as a school administrator in Maryland, before most recently serving as assistant principal at North Hills Junior-Senior High School.

After his Churchill career as a fullback and linebacker, Eric played defensive end at Mercyhurst College. "To me, playing sports is a release," Kostic said. "It's something that's fun to do, and it's something the players should enjoy."

He added, "There is an equation that works: hard work equals success. The kids here have an opportunity to do well, if they are willing to put the effort into it."

Kostic declined to reveal any strategies from his previous teams that he may adapt for the Trojans. He said, "The only goal I've ever had as a coach is for my team to be well-prepared and fundamentally sound. We need to block, tackle and avoid turnovers."

Several classmates had fond memories of Eric. Christine Trinchero Haddad and Stu Cohen felt that Eric still looks the same as he did in high school.

Amy Chufo Prezelski elaborated, “He has that same lopsided smile that just lights up his face (he looks way too serious without it)! He was always nice to me in spite of me being a lowly friend of his sister, Sue. He looks great!”

Milton Koutavas remembered the yearbook photo that earned Eric the nickname of "Walnuts".

Rich Reschoff announced, “Eric Kostic #54 your starting middle linebacker for your Churchill Chargers!!”

Lynn Abt LeBlanc guessed Barry Schwartz. Jim Davliakos guessed Bruce Babich. Mike Mroz guessed Tony Soprano.