Ex-Steeler Gildon joins CWNC
CRANBERRY TWP — Butler resident Camden Laconi did all the necessary research when he found out Jason Gildon was being introduced as Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic's new football coach Tuesday morning.
Laconi, a freshman quarterback, was excited about what he found out about Gildon, who played linebacker for the Steelers from 1994-2003.
“When I found out he was coaching, I thought he was a good pick for us,” said Laconi, who found everything he needed to know on Google. “I know a few kids from Seneca Valley and I heard from them he's energetic and passionate. He's a fiery guy and that's what we need at this school.”
Gildon, who was an assistant for Seneca Valley the past three seasons, is excited for the opportunity to mentor young football players.
“This is a pivotal time in young men's lives,” Gildon said. “It's important they have positive role models, guys they can lean on. I had opportunities to coach at different levels, but I feel my calling is here at the high school level.”
Gildon replaces Bob Ravenstahl, who retired in December after leading the Trojans to a 74-30 record in nine seasons.
North Catholic won WPIAL and PIAA Class A titles in 2013 with a 16-0 record and extended its winning streak to 27 games before losing in the WPIAL semifinals last season.
Trojans athletic director Mike Burrell said Gildon was picked from a field of 40 applicants.
Ron Bowes, who is the Assistant Superintendent for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, said Gildon's faith and his leadership skills made him stand out.
Bowes wasn't worried about if people would ask why they didn't hire a Catholic.
“Kids are learning their faith here. We felt because he is such a devout Christian, we're not going to miss anything in regard to that,” Bowes said. “It's the same Jesus Christ we all worship.”
The Oklahoma native said the coaches he played for at all levels had a major influence on his life. After he was drafted by the Steelers in 1994, special teams coach Bobby April was a major influence.“(He) came along side of me and said 'You're drafted here with a pretty good group of linebackers. If you really want to make this team, I can show you how to do it,'” said Gildon, who is a Wexford resident.Gildon went from a third-round draft pick to a three-time Pro Bowler.By the time he left Pittsburgh in 2003, he was the team's all-time sack leader with 77.He played in Super Bowl XXX in the Steelers' 27-17 loss to the Cowboys and credits April with having a major influence on his career.“He instilled in me to not worry about things you can't control,” Gildon said. “He said, 'I'll put you out here on special teams and you show the coaches you play hard and know what you're doing and all that other stuff will take care of itself.' And it did.”In addition to coaching at Seneca Valley, Gildon was also an assistant for Peters Township in 2011.“I learned a lot under different coaches there,” Gildon said. “Having that knowledge to bring that here to Cardinal Wuerl is going to help me. It's a program that's been successful throughout the years and I want to continue that trend.”
