Q&A: Wolverines Under Direction Of New Head Coach Sean McConahy

The Ellwood City Wolverines football team will be under the guidance of new head coach Sean McConahy when they start their regular season on Friday.

McConahy, a teacher in Ellwood City School District for the last 28 years and current science teacher at Lincoln High School, brings experience in the district, passion for football and conditioning, and coaching experience at one of more recent success stories in District 10 (Wilmington coaching staff).

McConahy will look to continue the programs success as the Wolverines have made the playoffs three consecutive seasons but moved up from WPIAL Class 2A to Class 3A for the 2026 season.

“We are embracing the challenge of moving up to 3A Football,” says McConahy.

Last year, Ellwood City finished with a 7-5 record last year and a earned a 35-13 playoff win over Keystone Oaks before bowing out to Steel Valley in the WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinals.

The Wolverines open up its 2026 regular season traveling across the mighty Connoqunessing to face rival Riverside on Friday, October 28th at 7:00 p.m. [ICYMI: Q&A with new Riverside HC Fran Ramsden]

GET TO KNOW HEAD COACH SEAN MCCONAHY:

1989-1997 Player: Wilmington HS and Westminster College
Junior McConahy (Son) – 4 year player, 3 year starter, National Semifinalist at Cal U
Tuff McConahy (Son) – #2 On Girard HS all time passing list, Freshman QB at West Liberty.

Q: How did you learn about the position opening and apply?
A: I have taught in the school for 29 years, so I know the position was open

Q: What is one thing that attracted you to the position?
A: I was attracted to the position, because of my love of coaching football and wanting to get to coach the players I taught on a daily basis.

Q: What is one obstacle you feel you may face as a first-year head coach?
A: The main obstacles are preparing for new teams in a new conference. It is easier to prepare against teams you have played in the past.

Q: What can players expect from you as a coach?
A: Players can expect myself and my staff to put 110% effort into everything we do from weight lifting to planning practices and game plans. If we expect them to give max effort every day we have to model it in everything we do

Q: What is one thing or habit that plays as well today as it did when you were in high school?
A: If you put the work in the weight room, watching film, and on the practice field it will always pay off 1o fold. Football teaches you lessons that carry on into life to make you a successful person. The biggest one is that when you give 110% every day you can walk away with your head held high every day.

Q: What is one thing you feel you do well as a coach/leader?
A: I feel like I relate to players well. I played and coached a long time and my youngest son is still playing college football. I have been able to see the game through my eyes as a player, coach, and parent.

Q: What can fans/parents expect from you as a coach?
A: They can expect Ellwood City football to show up prepared every week and leave it all on the field.