Seneca Valley High School has announced the hiring of Joseph Rankin as the new varsity football coach. Rankin, who graduated from Seneca Valley in 2009, played professionally for four years, including a stint with the Cleveland Browns.

He has been defensive coordinator at the school for the last three years under Justin Sickeri, who he takes over for.

More from Seneca Valley High School Athletic Director, Jesse Irvin:

Introducing New Seneca Valley High School Football Coach

The Seneca Valley High School Athletic Department and Administration is pleased to announce the hiring of our new head football coach, Mr. Joseph Rankin. Coach Rankin is the fifth head coach in the storied history of Seneca Valley Football. Joe takes over the reins from Mr. Justin Sickeri.

Coach Rankin spent the last three seasons as the Defensive coordinator at Seneca Valley. Mr. Rankin, a Seneca Valley 2009 Graduate, played collegiately at Morgan State University, where he was a four‐year starter at defensive back and a two‐year team captain. While at Morgan State, he was ranked 2nd in all time interceptions in school history and was named 1st Team all MEAC. Mr. Rankin then played professionally from 2014‐2018.

Mr. Rankin comes highly recommended as a coach and teacher. He is dedicated to his student athletes and is great at developing relationships with all of his student athletes and students.

Most importantly, Coach Rankin is a leader who conducts himself with high moral and ethical integrity, earning the respect of everyone he meets.

We are extremely excited to introduce Joe as our next Head Varsity Football Coach. Please look for communication over the next few days regarding a player meeting and an online zoom parent/guardian meeting.

Sincerely,
Jesse Irvin
Athletic Director
Seneca Valley High School

Last week Seneca Valley principal Marc Cohen put out a message to the community calling on local dads to help provide support and provide positive energy during lunch time and after school.

At least one local dad took him up on his offer, as the Seneca Valley PTSA shared Ali Hashemzadeh’s account of his time at Seneca Valley.

“I had an opportunity today to spend some time at Seneca Valley during the lunch period. Was it busy? Yes. Was it fun? Yes. But more importantly it was also a great opportunity to embarrass my daughter for which I live for. But it did offer me a different viewpoint as an SV parent. As we often become numb to the parent process at times. I’m guilty of that myself. The drop off, pick up, and then repeat process. But todays visit was good: It was great to be on the “inside” if you will. I saw SV staff actively engaged, students enjoying their time with friends, and of course students having lunch and being the young people that they are. I got to walk around a bit and bother a few as well. Enjoyed my time I truly did. Definitely won’t be my last visit.

The point of my post here is that I urge all those who can take part in the “Dads on Duty” program to do so. I applaud SV for making this positive experience possible for us dads. It provides me with yet another opportunity to connect and stay involved in my daughters life and day. As much as she will allow at least!

Have an amazing remainder of the week everyone!”

Seneca Valley principal Marc Cohen put out a message to the community calling on local dads to help provide support and provide positive energy during lunch time and after school.

A letter was sent to the community last month detailing that there would be additional security, counselors, central office staff, and MCPD onsite at Seneca Valley beginning on the morning of Monday, October 18th, to help assure a safe and orderly learning environment.

The full message can be seen below:

“Calling all Dads. As our new Seneca Valley High School community continues to form and grow, a group of involved parents has identified a shared interest in increasing the presence of dads in the building at key times of the day to help us
maintain a positive energy, to provide support in supervision, and to mentor students who could benefit from some extra TLC.

We are looking for dads who could be available at lunch time (approximately 11:10 to 12:10) or after school (2:30 to 3:00). You would not have to commit to every day, or even every week. We welcome what valuable time you have to give. If you are interested in learning more, please consider joining us in the school cafeteria on Thursday, November 11
at 5:30 p.m. for a brief informational and idea generating meeting.”