By Marion Valanoski
CATAWISSA -- As the final seconds dwindled off the clock at Tigers Stadium and Southern Columbia held onto a four-touchdown lead going into the half, there was little mystery left.
Jim Roth was well on his way to becoming the eighth coach in Pennsylvania history to win 300 games.
Jake Morton and Tim Benner both scored two touchdowns and a stifling defense allowed just one meaningless score as Southern Columbia downed Warrior Run, 42-6, and in the process present Roth with his 300th victory in 26 seasons on the job.
After the game, Roth took the time to do what he does best: deflect all of the well-deserved praise onto a coaching staff that for the most part has survived the test of time and for the stream of outstanding players who helped transform the Tigers into the state power they are today.
"I always looked at coaching football here as taking the program one step further each season," Roth said. "We went from working to qualify and winning the Mid-Penn and Eastern Conference championship to becoming champions of District 4 and advancing in the state playoffs."
So after former Tigers' mentor Andy Ulicny helped transform SCA from a sad sack program and retired prematurely, Roth took over in 1984 with the intention of keeping the team heading in the right direction.
He has done that and more.
In 26 seasons on the job, Roth and his staff have compiled a 300-51-2 mark, capturing 17 District 4 titles and six PIAA Class A championships and brought about a consistency that few programs match.
"Jim Roth is a coach's coach," current state record holder George Curry, who guided Berwick to six PIAA Class AAA titles and current radio analyst for WHLM, said. "Over the years he's had a stable of outstanding athletes, but he was able to bring out the very best in them every season.
"He had a vision and followed it. You start out winning 10 games and then you want to do it again. Coach Roth grew with the game and worked not only during the season but in the off-season and before you know it it all starts to come together."
Roth took time to thank everyone who attended Friday's historic event and only had hoped to provide consistency to a program ready to take off.
"I never thought much of No. 100, 200 or this win," Roth said. "It still is all about the players and all the hard work they've put in over the years to keep us on top. And you have to go right down to the parents, administration and a loyal staff who put the team in front of their own personal glory."
