Clarion Area High School Principal and Former Coach, Dr. Cathcart Retires (03/31/14)

Wolf’s Auto Outlet  –  Community First Bank –  The Lerch Group –  Burford & Henry  –  Luton’s Plumbing and Heating –  Computer Support –  The Carpet Barn

Clarion Area High School Principal, Dr. Randy Cathcart concluded his education career on Friday, March 28th. His last day was highlighted by being honored at the conclusion of The Spring Sports Kickoff Rally, in the gym.

After a very fitting introduction by Mr. Murtha, Dr. Cathcart was given some going away presents, by the students, including a framed “plaque” honoring him for his many years of service as an administrator, teacher and coach. He was also given a mock Gatorade shower (actually only confetti, can’t mess the new gym floor up), by several students.

Dr. Cathcart displaying plaque recognizing his many years of service

Dr. Cathcart displaying “plaque” recognizing his many years of service

Dr. Cathcart’s career in education covered 34 years. Twenty-four of those years were spent in the Clarion Area School District, fourteen as an administrator.

A major passion for Dr. Cathcart has always been athletics.

He was the Bobcat varsity wrestling coach for 15 years. Prior to that, he coached at his Alma Mater, Curwensville High School for eight years. He was Clarion’s Junior High football Coach for 24 years and the Public Address announcer for Bobcat Varsity football games for the past 7 or 8 years and served with the PIAA for 10 years.

Dr. Cathcart graduated from Curwensville in 1977. He was All-State Honorable Mention, in football as a senior, as well as a PIAA State Wrestling Champion, capturing Gold at 145. He went on to play football at Clarion State College, now Clarion University.

His son, Kyle, won two straight PIAA Wrestling Championships, for Clarion, at 171, in 2000 and 189, in 2001. Kyle was also a runner-up while plagued by injury, at 189, in 2002. As Coach and Father, Dr. Cathcart was in the chair for all three of Kyle’s Finals matches.

When Kyle won his first State Title, the Cathcart’s became only the ninth father/son State Wrestling Championship Tandem in PIAA history. Older Son, Corey was also an outstanding football player and wrestler for the Bobcats.

Seven different wrestlers made the PIAA Finals under Dr. Cathcart, who is a member of both the PIAA State and District Nine Wrestling Halls of Fame. Absolutely phenomenal for a small school coach.

Dr. Cathcart is a member of both the PIAA State Hall of Fame and District Nine Hall of Fame.

Dr. Cathcart had this to say about his time in the Clarion Area School District, “Well, I’ll just say this… Clarion has been a great, great school district. I’ve been very, very fortunate to be surrounded by really good people. I’ve made some great friends, some of the most talented and dedicated people that I’ve met either work here or have retired from this place.

“It’s been a great place and I have nothing but fond memories.”