By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
After five seasons as Seaman's head football coach, Glenn O'Neil is leaving the school to become the head coach at Dodge City High School
Dodge City announced in a press release Thursday afternoon that O’Neil has accepted the Red Demons' coaching position pending board of education approval at the board's next meeting.
“Our leadership team identified key character traits we desired in the candidate selected for this important position,'' Dodge City athletic director Jay Gifford said in the Dodge City release. "(O'Neil's) vision for the program, our student-athletes, and as a member of the head coaching staff is very similar to many of the other successful individuals in the department. It is obvious how successful Coach O’Neil has been on the field (and court), but we were most impressed with the relationships he continues to have with his current and former players and coaches.
"The athletic department and administration of Dodge City High School are proud to once again attract such experienced talent to an already excellent teaching staff.''
O'Neil led Seaman to a 7-2 record last fall, with the Vikings earning the No. 1 East seed for the Kansas State High School Activities Association playoffs.
O’Neil, who came to Seaman after a highly-successful run at Scott City in both football and basketball, is returning to his western Kansas coaching roots.
O'Neil led Scott City to a total of five state championships -- five in basketball and the 2012 3A title in football.
O’Neil's career coaching record in football is 123-36.
“It is with great excitement that my wife and I are making the journey back to southwest Kansas,'' O'Neil said in Thursday's Dodge City release. "The challenge of coaching in the Western Athletic Conference with its history and reputation for excellence was definitely a draw. The facilities, reputation, and leadership in Dodge City makes this a great fit for success. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and joining forces with the coaching staff and the players to continue building upon and carrying out the rich tradition.''