Hetz begins his seventh season as an assistant coach at Gannon in 2018-19. He brings 30 years of coaching experience to the Golden Knights. As a head coach at five different high schools prior to coming to Gannon, Hetz produced a .647 winning percentage while compiling a 376-205 career record.
The Fairview, Pa., native served as the head coach at McDowell (Pa.) High School from 2006-12 prior to coming to Gannon. The Trojans went 102-46 and advanced to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) State Playoffs three times during his tenure. McDowell’s best season under Hetz resulted in a 26-3 record in 2007-08. The Trojans had a district championship, region title and PIAA Western semifinal appearance with Hetz at the helm.
Hetz previously served as the head coach at Altoona (2000-06), Hollidaysburg (1996-00), United (1991-96) and Oswayo Valley (1988-91). His teams combined to win five district championships, five league titles and one region championship. Hetz has guided teams to the PIAA state playoffs 12 times. He has been to the PIAA Western Finals with Altoona and PIAA Western Semifinals with both McDowell and Hollidaysburg. Hetz helped set school records for victories in a season at Oswayo Valley (17-7 in 1990-91), United (23-4 in 1992-93) and Hollidaysburg (23-3 in 1999-00).
Hetz was a four-year letterwinner at Thiel where is also served as a team captain during his collegiate playing days. He graduated from Thiel in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in social studies, before obtaining his master’s degree in secondary school counseling at Indiana (Pa.). Hetz and his wife, Jennifer, live in Erie with their three children, Tyler (17), Jordyn (16) and Jessica (13). Hetz is currently a social studies teacher at McDowell High School.
