Eric Kasperowicz, former head coach at Pine-Richland High School, was voted to be the football coach at Mars Area High School during a school board meeting Tuesday night. 13, 2022.Julia Maruca/Butler Eagle

Former Pine-Richland School District head football coach Eric Kasperowicz has been hired as head football coach at Mars Area School District.

Kasperowicz was approved 7-1 at a Tuesday night meeting with one board member absent.

Kasperowicz will replace former coach Scott Heinauer, who occupied the position from 1992 until the board voted to open up the varsity head football coaching position in January. One of 33 WPIAL coaches to eclipse 200 career wins, Heinauer turned in a 203-118 record with the Planets.

Under Heinauer’s stewardship, Mars had sustained success, reaching the WPIAL playoffs 16 years in a row before a 2-8 showing last fall snapped the streak.

Heinauer is still the athletic director at Mars Area.

Kasperowicz spent eight seasons with the Rams and led them to four WPIAL and two state titles. He compiled an 85-18 record during that stint.

Superintendent Mark Gross said that Kasperowicz was “very open, direct, and honest,” during the interview process.

“He does have a history of proven abilities in football, and he comes highly recommended from those that worked with him,” Gross said.