As summer workouts continue and anticipation builds for the upcoming football season, South Fork High School's student-athletes are hard at work under the new leadership of Head Football Coach Eric Kresser.
Since joining the Bulldog earlier this year, Kresser has spent the spring and summer getting to know players, connecting with families and alumni, and helping establish the culture he hopes will define the program moving forward.
Kresser brings decades of experience as a player and coach to South Fork, along with a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field.
“I’ll probably see the boys as much or more than their own parents do on campus here, and that comes with a lot of responsibility,” Kresser said. “We’re not here just to win football games.
School leaders said Kresser stood out among a competitive pool of applicants, not only because of his football background, but because of the impact he has made on the students he has coached throughout his career.
“When you look at Coach Kresser’s resume, both as a player and a coach, what he knows about football and his commitment to it, that’s definitely an eye catcher,” Ed Geiger, Assistant Principal of Athletics at South Fork High School, said. “But that’s nothing compared to once you start meeting and talking to him."
According to Geiger, Kresser’s reputation extends far beyond wins and losses. Throughout his coaching career, he has built lasting relationships with former players, many of whom continue to seek his guidance long after their playing days have ended.
While building relationships and creating a strong culture are priorities, Kresser also has ambitious goals for the future of the program.
“Long-term goals are just like anywhere I’ve ever been,” he said. “We want to win the whole thing. We want to bring the first state championship home to South Fork.”
As preparations continue for the upcoming season, Kresser says he’s eager to embrace tradition, community support and passion that make high school football special.
With a new leader at the helm, South Fork football is looking ahead to its next chapter, built on relationships, accountability and a commitment to excellence.
Watch a video of Coach Kresser in action: