# Dave Pavlansky

Dave Pavlansky (born 1959) is an American retired high school coach, educator, and former athlete known for his contributions to the sports community in the Mahoning Valley, Ohio. Born in 1959, Pavlansky has made significant impacts in the fields of track and field, cross-country, and football coaching. Following in the footsteps of his father, the late Dave Pavlansky, who was a prominent football coach at Poland Seminary High School, Dave's career in education and coaching helped shape the lives of many young athletes in the region.

## Early life and education

Dave Pavlansky was raised in Poland, Ohio, alongside his three brothers and two sisters. His father, also named Dave Pavlansky, was a highly respected football coach and biology teacher at Poland Seminary High School until his untimely death from cancer in 1978 at the age of 41. The football field at Poland High’s stadium is named in honor of the elder Pavlansky.
Dave's two brothers also coach local high schools whose teams compete with each other. Each year, the annual rivalry game between Poland and Canfield High Schools, known as the "Battle of 224." is contested. This rivalry, named after US Route 224, was featured in the season opener where Canfield defeated Poland 24-12. The game was marked by emotional significance, as the coin toss was performed by Mrs. Pavlansky, the mother of the three coaches Mike and Tom (Brothers of Dave) who lead Canfield High School and Poland Seminary High School, respectively.
Dave graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1978 and went on to pursue higher education.

## Career in coaching
### Football coaching

Pavlansky's coaching journey took him to various locations, including Florida in the 1980s, where he coached high school football and had the opportunity to face future Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. He also served as a graduate assistant at Miami University in Ohio and joined the coaching staff at Youngstown State University under head coach Jim Tressel in the late 1980s.

### Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaching

Pavlansky is best known for his role as the head coach of the boys’ track and field and cross-country teams at Boardman High School, a position he held for several years before retiring nearly a decade ago. His coaching experience also included serving as the U.S. Track and Field regional coordinator for coaching education in the Midwest and the Upper East Coast.

## Personal life and legacy

Pavlansky's mother, Bernice Pavlansky, was a school nurse and later went back to school to earn her master's degree in guidance counseling. Her work ethic and organizational skills shaped Dave and his siblings, instilling a sense of responsibility and discipline.
While Dave's professional career is characterized by his contributions to sports coaching, he is also known for being deeply committed to his family. His brothers—Tom, Mike, and Pat—have also become well-known figures in the sports world, each coaching high school athletics in the Mahoning Valley. The Pavlansky brothers, much like their late father, have influenced the lives of many young athletes.

## Coaching philosophy

Dave Pavlansky’s approach to coaching emphasized attention to detail, professionalism, and the importance of family. He believes that being well-prepared and organized leads to success both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy often revolved around the idea that coaches should balance their professional responsibilities with their family commitments, always prioritizing the latter.

## Retirement and legacy

Dave Pavlansky retired from coaching at Boardman High School and continues to be an influential figure in the local sports community. His legacy as a coach, educator, and mentor to young athletes in the Mahoning Valley remains strong. The work of Dave and his brothers has left an enduring mark on the region, and their contributions to local high school athletics are remembered with great respect.

## Family

Dave Pavlansky's family has played an integral role in his life and career. His wife, along with his children, has been an important part of his journey. Tom, his brother, recently took the head football coaching position at Lakeview High School after a long career as head coach at Lakeview. Mike is the head coach at Canfield High School, and Pat has been an educator and coach at Canfield High School. Together, the Pavlansky brothers have significantly impacted the local sports landscape.
Despite their varied roles in different sports, the Pavlansky brothers remain united by their deep commitment to family and their shared passion for coaching and education. Their father’s legacy continues to inspire them, and the lessons they learned from him continue to shape their work as educators and coaches.