猫咪社区 (SCCC) has announced the appointment of its new Head Football Coach, Bobby Leach, who brings decades of coaching experience, deep local ties, and a strong commitment to student-athlete success to the Skylanders program.
Leach began his coaching career in 1998 at Hopatcong High School as an assistant coach, a role he held for three years. A former student-athlete at Delaware Valley College, he later returned to the college as an assistant coach for six seasons. During that time, he was part of a dedicated coaching staff that focused on recruiting the right student-athletes and building a competitive program, resulting in a winning season.
Leach鈥檚 high school coaching career continued at Wallkill Valley High School from 2007 to 2010, followed by a head coaching position at Sussex County Technical School from 2010 to 2016. While at Tech, he led the program to the state playoffs in 2015, which was the first playoff appearance in the school鈥檚 history. He later returned to Wallkill Valley as head coach from 2017 to 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a leader focused on growth, discipline, and opportunity for his players.
Describing his coaching philosophy as 鈥渙ld school,鈥� Leach emphasizes effort, accountability, and work ethic above all else. 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 take talent to work hard,鈥� Leach said. 鈥淵ou just need to give your best every day. Hard work and commitment are the foundation of everything we do.鈥�
Poltersdorf said the hire reflects the College鈥檚 commitment to building a strong, sustainable football program rooted in the local community. 鈥淭his coach understands Sussex County, understands our student-athletes, and understands what it takes to build a program the right way,鈥� Poltersdorf said. 鈥淗is experience, leadership, and emphasis on accountability and academics make him the right fit for SCCC and for the future of Skylanders football.鈥�
Building a strong local pipeline is central to Leach鈥檚 vision. Recruiting efforts are already underway, with a focus on Sussex County and nearby schools. 鈥淢y first priority was staying local,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e can sustain and grow this program by giving county kids an opportunity to play close to home. That鈥檚 important to me.鈥� At the same time, interest from out-of-area students continues to grow, signaling broader momentum for the program.
Looking ahead, Leach鈥檚 vision for the Skylanders football program centers on competitiveness, culture, and commitment. 鈥淲e need to put a competitive team on the field and create a positive experience,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat starts with trust鈥攑layers and coaches working together, and it starts in the weight room. We鈥檙e asking our student-athletes to commit, mentally and physically, to doing things the right way.鈥�
Program development will focus on year-round college-level recruiting, consistent communication with student-athletes, and reinforcing discipline, leadership, and accountability. Academic success remains a top priority, with a dedicated academic advisor and clear expectations for class attendance, study hall, and maintaining grades. 鈥淭he goal is to get an education first and play football second,鈥� Leach stated.
Beyond the field, the coach hopes student-athletes leave SCCC with life skills that extend far past football. 鈥淐ommitment, mental toughness, responsibility; those are lessons that carry into everything they do after college,鈥� he said.
Skylands Stadium will play a key role in elevating the game-day experience for players and fans alike. Leach envisions afternoon kickoffs, strong community turnout, and an energetic atmosphere that makes Skylands a true home-field advantage. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge selling point for recruits and something the whole county can rally around,鈥� he said.
Community involvement is equally essential to the program鈥檚 long-term success. Plans include increased visibility throughout Sussex County, opportunities for the public to meet players and coaches, and events that bring the program and community together. 鈥淚f we do this the right way, it can be something really special,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd when you start winning, it鈥檚 amazing how it brings the community together and how they will come out to support you.鈥�
For prospective student-athletes, the message is clear: SCCC football offers an opportunity to compete, earn an education, and be part of a growing program built on hard work and pride. Long-term success, the coach said, will be defined not just by wins and losses, but by developing student-athletes who succeed academically, athletically, and personally.
To learn more about the athletic programs offered at 猫咪社区, prospective students can visit Sussexskylanders.com.