HS Football’s Olsommer Earns Prestigious Scranton Lions Club Honor—Discover the Surprising Story Behind the Award!

Keith Olsommer’s name will be on plenty of lips this summer, and deservedly so. This isn’t just any football coach — we’re talking about a man who transformed Delaware Valley’s struggling program into a powerhouse, earning him the prestigious Scranton Lions Club Man of the Year award at this year’s Dream Game. Picture the scene: July 23, John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium, the midway point of an epic all-star showdown, with Olsommer basking in recognition for decades of dedication, grit, and sheer football savvy. But that’s not all — he’s got four former warriors gearing up to represent Delaware Valley on the County team, a testament to the legacy he’s built. It’s hard not to feel the weight of pride radiating from this moment; after all, Olsommer’s journey, from his days as a high school standout to a key contributor at Penn State’s legendary ’94 squad, and eventually a guiding force shaping young athletes, reads like a compelling narrative of passion and perseverance. The upcoming game doesn’t just celebrate a coach; it celebrates a community, a family — and a story far from finished. LEARN MORE

“To even be thought of in the same group as other people who have received the award means a lot to me,” Olsommer said. “I started just trying to learn from the coaches who had been around, and I feel like I am still a guy learning. I think it is an honor to be thought of in this regard, and I am very appreciative of this recognition.”In 26 seasons, Olsommer has a career record of 190-109. His win total ranks seventh all-time among Lackawanna Interscholastic Athletic Association coaches, and he is second among active coaches to Old Forge’s Michael Schuback (192). He earned The Times-Tribune Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2023.
Abington Heights rising junior Jack Hartshorn attended the Rutgers Specialist Camp, where he won the field goal competition.
Originally Published: June 15, 2025 at 12:00 AM EDT
This year’s PIAA championship games are Dec. 4, 5 and 6 at Cumberland Valley High School.
The longtime head football coach who turned a fledgling program into a juggernaut at Delaware Valley is this year’s honoree as the Scranton Lions Club Man of the Year, player liaison Jerry Preschutti announced. Olsommer will receive the award at a halftime presentation at the summer all-star game July 23 at John Henzes Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Olsommer had an opportunity to play for the Baltimore Ravens after signing a free agent contract and attending rookie camp. However, he abruptly retired and started his professional career as a high school social studies teacher at Delaware Valley.
In 1999, he became the head coach of the football team. Delaware Valley, which started its program in 1992, had a record of 5-67 in the first seven seasons. Olsommer’s teams were 4-27 in his first three seasons.
The first practice date is Aug. 11, with the first inter-school practice or scrimmage scheduled for Aug. 16. Teams can play their first regular-season contest Aug. 22, with a maximum of 10 regular-season games. The last regular season contest date is Nov. 3, and the postseason begins Nov. 8.
He kicked with a fracture that required surgery and recovery that prevented him from competing last season. Hartshorn, who is now at Abington Heights, was cleared to kick again May 1.
He accepted a scholarship and excelled at Penn State University. Olsommer played in 45 games in four seasons and caught 42 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns, and was a member of the 1994 team that finished 12-0 and is considered one of the best in college football history. He was an All-Big Ten selection as a senior.
Delaware Valley’s graduated players in the game include linemen Amir Guillite, Pasquale Venitucci, Keegan Heath and Chris DellaBella.
One Warrior, unfortunately, who cannot play is Olsommer’s son, Logan, who was a three-year starter at quarterback. He suffered a shoulder injury and had surgery in April and won’t be 100% before he heads to Lackawanna College in the fall. He and Olsommer’s family will be in attendance.
After the Dream Game, Olsommer will start preparation for a challenging Week 1 opponent. Last season, the Warriors had their biannual trip to Florida and filled that weekend in the schedule with a game against McKeesport on Aug. 23 at noon as part of a full day of games at Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh.
In addition, Olsommer will have four of his former players representing the program for the County team that will challenge the City team.
Keith Olsommer will have a lot to celebrate at this year’s Dream Game.

Kickers shine

As a freshman at Scranton Prep, Hartshorn made 54 of 58 extra points and hit five of six field goals for 69 points in 2024.
McKeesport finished 8-5 overall last season. Running back and defensive back Kemon Spell, a rising junior, verbally committed to Penn State after receiving offers from Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Florida State, Michigan and Wisconsin.
A former all-state two-way end at North Pocono, Olsommer was the leader of the 1991 team that finished 12-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state. However, the Trojans did not play in the fourth year of the PIAA playoffs, which at the time used a complicated rating formula for teams to qualify.
“It’s nice to see them play,” Olsommer said. “We are at the game every year to watch our former players. They will be focused on the game, and it is always great for the Delaware Valley community that supports the program.”
“To have Logan there and my whole family there will mean a lot,” Olsommer said. “We have been able to do some special things at Delaware Valley and had a lot of great players go through our system. I am proud of what we have built.”
High school football conditioning starts in July, but the official start to the season is Aug. 4 with heat acclimatization, according to the PIAA Handbook.

Football calendar

A pair of outstanding kickers from the LFC have had excellent offseasons.
Everything changed in 2002 when the Warriors had their first winning season and finished 7-4 overall. Delaware Valley has 10 District 2 championships, which include two in Class 4A when the state had four classifications, two in Class 5A and six in Class 6A. In addition, the program has nine Lackawanna Football Conference Division I titles and an Eastern Conference Class 4A crown in 2013.
Decker, who was the LFC Division I all-star kicker last season, made 31 of 32 extra points and eight of nine field goals with a long of 40 against Pittston Area for 55 kicking points.

Delaware Valley’s Reagan Decker, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound rising senior, had a good performance at the Diamond Elite Temple Football Specialist Camp on June 11. He announced via his social media account on X that he won the field goal competition with makes from 40, 47 and 51 yards.