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Drenning named BG’s AD

Boys basketball coach Chris Drenning is the new athletic director at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School.

Drenning, who led the BG basketball team to the PIAA state final this past season, replaced Mike Cacciotti, who has been the BG AD for the last nine years. Cacciotti will continue to serve BG as assistant principal and will take on a new role, assisting with school outreach and community engagement.

Drenning will be responsible for the 20 varsity PIAA sports that BG offers, as well as two club sports — competitive cheerleading and ice hockey — and all junior varsity and BG junior high athletic programs.

Drenning is also responsible for major fundraisers for the Athletics Department, as well as overseeing individual team fundraisers.

“Chris understands the mission and vision of the school,” BG Principal Joan Donnelly said. “As head boys basketball coach, Chris has represented the school very well, supporting our values of goodness, discipline and knowledge. He has been very successful as a coach, and I anticipate he will be very successful as the athletic director.”

Drenning, a 2002 graduate of Penn State University, has been the head coach of the BG boys basketball team since 2012 and will continue in the role.

He has compiled a record of 131-54 and won District 6 titles in 2013, 2018 and 2019. He was voted the Mirror coach of the year this past season.

“Chris values and appreciates our student athletes, coaches and community,” Cacciotti said. “He brings a positive energy to our Athletics Department and will work hard to ensure our athletics programs remain successful.”

A graduate of Tussey Mountain High School, Drenning and his wife Stephanie (Carnicella), BG 1981, have two children Lauryn, BG 2006, and Brandon, BG 2013. They have been married for 33 years and have two grandchildren, Gia Mae, age 2, and Jace, a newborn.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be the athletic director at Bishop Guilfoyle,” Drenning said. “BG has a long and illustrious history in all areas of athletics. I look forward to serving the Marauder community, our student athletes and coaches. I intend to build upon the strong sports history that has been established at the school; continuing to give our student athletes the best experience possible, while fostering and encouraging students to participate in multiple clubs, sports and community service.”

The part-time position was posted in early June. Candidates were interviewed by a committee consisting of BG officials.

As the region’s premier private junior and senior high school, BG strives for excellence in all we do, always focused on helping to raise healthy, successful kids,” said Joe Adams, BG President. “Athletics is a piece of that experience, and we are thankful that a talent such as Chris is stepping into this important position. Mike has been a successful AD and is now freed up to tackle new challenges, working inside and outside of the school to help BG make a strong, positive impact for all families in our region. We are blessed to be part of a supportive community and are committed to this area as a great place to live and raise a family.”

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