Familiar name taking over Eastern York boys' basketball program; York High still on hold

There was some shuffling in boys' basketball this week.

Justin Seitz is back at Eastern York. York High was supposed to be getting its new coach this week, but for the second straight month, the school board pulled it from the agenda.

Twice Seth Leonard's name has been recommended by the athletic administration and twice the board has decided to not vote on the position.

Seitz returns a year after resigning from the post he held for five years. In his absence, Troy Sowers led the Golden Knights to the District 3 Class 4A title.

Sowers, who led York High boys to three district titles and Spring Grove girls to one, resigned from Eastern York in April.

"I decided to retire from teaching at York High on Sept. 4, 2024 when I'm 55," Sowers said Friday by text. "With my home being in West York [45 minutes from Eastern York] and not knowing what my new job/career would be during next season, I couldn't commit to being available. It wouldn't be fair to Eastern York and my players."

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Like he said after leaving Spring Grove in 2022, Sowers was quick to point out he isn't retiring from coaching. He said he wouldn't hesitate to jump in if the right situation presents itself.

"I've made great relationships with my players this past year and will miss them. I wish them the best of luck with their new coach, Justin Seitz," Sowers said. "I believe I will coach again sometime and somewhere that can fit into my new career and be closer at home."

Seitz resigned after the 2022-23 season after leading the Knights to a 76-49 record with four winning seasons in the five years at his alma mater. Eastern made the district playoffs four times, the league tournament three times and the state playoffs twice under his coaching.

He was approved for the position at Thursday night's school board meeting.

Seitz said the external issues that led to him resigning a year ago are no longer a problem.

"A lot has changed in the last year," he said Friday. "I couldn't see the team go through the rest of the summer league and into the fall without a coach. Now they can get in the gym.

Seitz said the relationships he's built with the players over the years helped him sit back and enjoy last year's district title run.

"I could be a dad," he said, "and I didn't have to worry about things."

While three key players graduated from Eastern York's district title team, the cupboard is not bare for Seitz. The Knights return Division I prospect 6-6 Carter Wamsley and Seitz's son, Brady. Both are seniors with several seasons as starters under their belts.

Seitz said he and Brady discussed his possible return, and feel they are on the same page. They are eager to get started in this new direction.

Shelly Stallsmith covers York-Adams high school sports for GameTimePA and the USAToday Network. Connect with her by email mstallsmith@ydr.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter @ShelStallsmith.