New Stratford football coach John Svatik
Svatik takes over for Duane Shirden, who stepped down after 10 years.
“I really wanted to be head coach again,” said Svatik, 56, a Bunnell social studies teacher who spent the last two seasons coaching defensive backs at UNH. “It was a golden opportunity for me to come back and coach in community that I grew up in, where I played baseball and football, and hopefully have a positive influence on the young men at Stratford.”
Svatik starred as a quarterback at Bunnell High School in the early 1970s and played at Western Connecticut State. He coached at Notre Dame-Fairfield from 1979-1987 before moving on to college.
He spent time at Sacred Heart and Wesleyan, but a majority of his college coaching career was as an assistant at the University of New Haven under head coaches Mark Whipple, Chris Palmer, Darren Rizzi and Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano.
Now the Bunnell grad and teacher returns to the high school level as the coach of rival Stratford.
“See, I look at it from this standpoint: I’ll one of best jobs in town,” Svatik said. “I get to teach in one school and have a positive influence with the students there, and then I get to coach at Stratford and hopefully have positive influence on those young men.”
Stratford athletic directory Bob Baird said over 20 “very good candidates” applied for the job, including a handful of head coaches at other statewide schools. “I was very impressed with our list of candidates,” Baird said. “Johnny’s coached in high school, he’s been a coach for over 20 years in college. We’re looking forward to and he’s excited about it. He’s a very energetic guy. I had to go out and buy a new cell phone he’s called me so many times. He’s going to do a great job here.”
“He’s a Bunnell guy, but I look at it this way: He’s seen the light. Everything’s isn’t always greener on the other side of town, it looks a lot better in red.”
Svatik had been rumored to be Stratford’s pick for much of the last month. Baird said the selection committee offered Svatik the job just before the school’s winter vacation last week. But it was only until after the board of education approved the hiring that Svatik could be officially confirmed.
He’ll meet the returning Stratford players tomorrow.
“I’m little pumped about this. I’m very excited,” Svatik said. I’m excited to have the opportunity to coach here. There’s potential, there’s talent. I’m happy to be coaching. I have a passion for coaching.
“But this not about me, my passion is coaching kids. That to me is the most important thing. You shouldn’t coach for hardware trophies or rings. That’s all going to come. You coach for the kids to develop relationships. About the kids and about the program.”
As a former Stratford High player I am very excited that John Svatik has been named to coach at my alma mater. I personally know John and know that he is an energetic individual and has good football knowledge. I will enjoy seeing him wear Red!!! John, good luck and I will bring all previous football players from the early 70′s to support you and the team. God Bless!!
I have never posted on any blog but i feel compelled to comment on this story and John Svatik. John’s first year as a head high school football coach at Notre Dame was my senior year I had just lost my father to cancer and I was getting ready to play my senior year, having John as my coach changed my life. He is the best coach I have ever had the chance to know. He taught me so much in such a short time, the lessons I learned from him shaped my future. What i do profesionally today as an educator and a coach is because of him. I was also fortunate to be one of his assistant coaches for 5 years at Notre Dame. I wish John all the luck in the world and the student athletes that choose to play for him will be very fortunate and successfull.
I played for coach at Notre Dame back in 1983, which today seems like another life time, but I do remember Coach had a pretty good record against Stratford. A coach has many players through the years, but a player only has one coach. Stratford is fortunate to have a coach who will prepare these young men to succeed in football, but more importantly, how to succeed in life. My prayers will be with you and your team. Thanks Coach and good luck.
I just learned Coach Svatik takes over the reins at Stratford High. I played for him and Coach Callahan in the mid 80s at Notre Dame. I can assure the young men at Stratford, they have a great coach, mentor to lead them. Have not seen John since graduation almost 25 yrs ago. However, during my senior year I thanked him with every jarring tackle on as many plays as I could… SO TO THE YOUNG MEN AT STRATFORD… STRAP UP AND BRING IT EVERY PLAY.