Friendly Rivals: Dan Shofestall And John Sayers (04/12/15)

I caught up with Clarion Coach Dan Shofestall and Redbank Valley Coach John Sayers, after the game at New Bethlehem on Saturday (April 11th) and had them share a little about their longtime friendship and friendly rivalry.

The two competitors both went to Clarion-Limestone, graduating in the ’70s. Sayers said Shofestall was about four years ahead of him. Both were longtime co-employees at the Owens-Illinois Clarion Plant. Shofestall jokingly said, “I worked. He was employed out there.”

Clarion Coach Dan Shofestall and Redbank Valley Coach John Sayers

They mentioned that they have coached against each other for about eleven years. During that time both have had some pretty good success. Shofestall said, “Redbank’s always competitive, well coached and we’ve had some good games over the years.”

Sayers added, “We’ve had a good rivalry” and Shofestall echoed the comment and added, “They’re well coached. They’ve had some good teams. Redbank softball is good and healthy down here.”

The two friends also share tricks of the trade with each other. Shofestall said “We work together and stay in touch.” And Sayers said, “We talk a lot and help each other out when we can.”

They used to coach travel ball together a number of years ago. And they still get together for summer ball.

Hopefully they’ll have many more years competing against and working together as they continue to mold young lives.