Head Coach Paul Bodnarchuk

Paul Bodnarchuk has been the head coach of the girls’ track and field program for 25 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Springfield College and a Master’s of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. He played soccer and baseball in high school and was selected as team captain of the soccer team his senior year. In college, he played football his freshman year, ran track his junior year, played soccer both his sophomore and junior years and danced with the college modern dance group most of his senior year. He currently holds coaching certifications in the following areas:

• Level 2 Diploma, Jump Coach Specialist - USA Track and Field
• Premier Diploma – United Soccer Coaches
• Level 1 Epee Coach – United States Fencing Association
• Certified Pilates Instructor – PHi Pilates

Under his guidance and with the hard work of his coaching staff and team members, almost every track and field record has been rewritten during his tenure as head coach. In addition, at least one member of the girls’ team has represented the school at the state meet on a consistent basis since the mid-2000’s. As the head jumping coach for the entire track and field program, he helped seven different athletes qualify and compete at the state track and field championships at Shippensburg University with some earning medals from eighth place to third place. Three jumpers were WPIAL champions as well, one in long jump and two in high jump. Of the six total jumping events for both the girls’ and boys’ teams combined, new school records have been set in four of those six jumping events with his instruction and support.

In 2009, the girls’ track and field team earned the title of Section 7 champions. At the WPIAL Team Championships, they took fourth of four teams in the competition. In 2010, they were second in their section, but defeated three other teams in a semi-final round to advance again to the WPIAL Team championships. Shady Side took fourth place again, still a terrific honor considering the number of girls’ teams in the WPIAL. During the 2019 season, the team qualified for entering the team playoffs, the first time since 2010. Although they didn’t advance beyond their first round of competition, it was very exciting to be back in the playoff picture once again. At the state track meet in 2019, our team took first place in the 800 and 1600 meter runs, set a new state record in the 800m run and earned a third place finish in the 1600 m relay.

pbodnarchuk@shadysideacademy.org