Legendary Ohio Valley Coaches Mike Young and Reno Saccoccia Inducted into National High School Football Hall of Fame
In a historic moment for Ohio Valley football, coaches Mike Young of Wheeling Central and Reno Saccoccia of Steubenville have been inducted into the 2024 National High School Football Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor marks a new chapter in the illustrious coaching careers of both men, who have collectively spent over 50 years shaping young athletes on and off the field.
Young, a coaching veteran with a career spanning more than five decades, expressed his disbelief and gratitude at being included in the Hall of Fame alongside iconic names like Eric Dickerson, Ernie Davis, and Terrelle Pryor. Saccoccia, who holds the record for the most football wins in Ohio history, described the induction as a humbling honor to represent the Ohio Valley and the coaching community.
The induction ceremony will see 35 individuals honored, including football legends like Dick Butkus, Eddie George, and Charles Woodson. Young and Saccoccia will be the first representatives from the Ohio Valley in the Hall of Fame, a testament to their dedication and impact on the local football scene.
Reflecting on their careers, both coaches emphasized the importance of teaching and mentorship in shaping young athletes for success on and off the field. Young, a Wheeling Central alum, credited his upbringing in the community for instilling values of hard work and teamwork that have guided his coaching philosophy.
The induction of Young and Saccoccia into the National High School Football Hall of Fame not only celebrates their individual achievements but also highlights the rich football tradition of the Ohio Valley. Their legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of coaches and athletes, showcasing the enduring impact of dedicated mentorship and passion for the game.
The induction ceremony is set to take place this weekend in Canton, marking a historic moment for Ohio Valley football and honoring the remarkable careers of two coaching legends.