Cappa Takes the Reigns of Trojan Football Program

Jeff Cappa had his summer vacation plans in place. However, a job promotion forced Cappa to change his summer schedule with his family.

Cappa is now the head coach of the football team at , and his new position brings an even greater time commitment to football.

“We had plans on going away,” Cappa said. “That was quickly canceled. We do mini-trips over the weekend, but everything else is really committed towards this program.” 

Cappa had been serving as an assistant for the Trojans. He was given the head coaching job when John DeSimone resigned after nine years at the helm.

Cappa’s enthusiasm, along with his familiarity with the program, has resulted in an easy transition in his first month as head coach.

“Everything has been great,” said Cappa. “It’s good that I’ve been a coach here before and a guidance counselor at the high school. The hard part of taking over a new head coaching job is usually getting to know the players and personnel. That part was already done.”

While Cappa did his part as an assistant for 10 seasons, he now has the opportunity to put his own stamp on the program. His first step was to gather his staff and choose the best way to turn around a team that went through a 1-9 season in 2010.

“Our coaching staff sat down and talked about what we needed to do to succeed,” Cappa said. “We needed better player development, and we needed to do a better job of coaching. We put together a plan on how to accomplish that, and our players have really responded.”

Much of Cappa’s plan for player development revolved around a strong off-season program. Many of the Trojans have been busy working out early to try and get a head start on the 2011 campaign.

“We’re really pleased with how our team is working,” said Cappa.  “That’s really what we are trying to change here. We’re trying to get better and stronger. The guys are really committed to the program.  The parents have committed themselves as well to get their sons here.”

Despite last season’s record, Cappa believes the current group of Trojans has the potential for a quick turnaround. He believes his players will have to be mentally and physically stronger than in previous seasons.

“The talent is there,” Cappa said. “It was potential talent. That’s what Wissahickon always has. Any school has that, but it’s the team that develops that potential that really succeeds. It’s not just physical toughness, but it’s also mental toughness.”

Cappa and his staff have put together a plan to begin the turnaround immediately. He is hoping the lessons learned by his players during the hot summer months will pay off in the fall.

“It’s all what happens in the off-season,” said Cappa. “As a staff, you’ve really got to work to find how you develop that mental toughness and that confidence you can do this as a team. That’s what we’re working on right now.” 

It seems as if Cappa was destined to one day coach the Trojans. The Western Pennsylvania native did not think he would be at Wissahickon long when he first began working at the high school. Cappa interviewed for other head coaching positions, but never decided to leave the area. 

“Something always kept me here at Wissahickon,” Cappa said. “My wife also teaches in the district. We absolutely love this district and love the community. We love the students and the parents that are here.”