Bill Heber resigns as Oilers coach

By CRAIG PHILLIPS

The Derrick

Bill Heber, a member of the Oil City High School football coaching staff for 20 years, submitted his resignation Jan. 7 to Joe Carrico, superintendent of the Oil City School District.

Heber, who served six seasons as head coach and

Heber

posted a 27-30 record, guided the Oilers to a 3-7 mark this past season.

“My decision was based on personal reasons and to spend time with my family,” Heber said. “I still have the desire to coach, but maybe I don’t want to be on the tip of the spear anymore.

“I was fortunate enough to have had some great people around me — players and coaches,” he continued. “I’m going to miss working with the kids in that capacity. I appreciate all the support that a lot of individuals have given myself and the program over the years.”

“Bill’s had a very long and dedicated commitment to the school district and the kids,” Carrico said. “I’m sure he has his personal reasons for the decision, there’s a lot of work involved in that job. We’re glad to have him as a member of our team as a faculty member.”

Asked if the district has any candidates for the successor to the job, Carrico responded, “No. We have no one in mind. Bill tendered his resignation (Jan. 7) and we posted the position internally on (Jan. 8). There will be an interview process like anything else.”

Oil City athletic director Rick Fletcher voiced his appreciation for Heber’s dedicated years of service.

“The school district really appreciates all the efforts of Bill over his 20 years of coaching in the Oil City football program,” Fletcher said. “No one has put in more hours as a head coach as Bill has the last six years.”

Heber, a 1986 graduate of Oil City, succeeded Paul Stamm as head coach of the Oilers and posted a 7-2 record in his first season as head coach.

He served as an assistant for 14 years and was defensive coordinator on Oil City’s 1998 District 10 Class AAA championship team.