Longtime football coach of Thomas Jefferson earns postseason honors

To: Ray Fisher

Sunday, January 22, 2023 | 11:01 AM

His career coaching stats are certainly impressive.

Michael “Doc” Krish took football by storm as the head coach of the Thomas Jefferson Boys Program.

He coached in 636 games and compiled a record of 417-198-36.

That’s a lot of football and a lot of wins.

The Jaguars finished 17-3 in 2022, winning the Section 3-3A title with a 13-1 record and advancing to the WPIAL Quarterfinals.

Krish was named the section’s Coach of the Year for the second season in a row.

He has led TJ to a 11-1-2 league record in 2021 and a 16-2-2 overall record. The Jaguars also advanced to his WPIAL Quarterfinals.

“In addition to the team winning back-to-back sections, it was an honor to be named Section 3 Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. I always said it was because of the higher up players.

“Once again this year, our players faced the challenge of reaching the quarterfinals of the WPIAL playoffs, repeating as section champions.”

Kulish has been in charge of the men’s national soccer team for TJ for 30 years. As he continues to tick off victories, there seems to be no stopping him as TJ’s coach.

The veteran field boss has been assisted by his son Michael Kulish III for over 20 years.

“A lot of my success wouldn’t have been possible without my son,” Krish said. “He has been the national team assistant and head coach of his JV for the last 21 years. Also his two other assistants, Rob Shoemaker (4 years) and Scott Graham (1 year). I would also like to thank

“And congratulations to (coach) Sean Richter and the TJ girls team on having a successful season by winning their section and advancing to the WPIAL quarterfinals. It’s the first time in the school’s history that we’ve done that.”

The men’s team, led by Thomas Jefferson, will be led by five all-section players in 2022.

Topping that list is junior forward and captain Anthony Orlando, who had 26 goals and 11 assists and was named the section’s Player of the Year.

He was also named All-WPIAL and voted by his teammates as TJ’s Offensive Player of the Year.

“We have many talented players in our section and WPIAL and it is an honor to be selected for these achievements,” Orlando said. “I think our team had a good season for the most part. rice field.”

At 5 feet 7 inches and 165 pounds, Orlando started playing soccer at the age of three at the YMCA.

“I love the pace of the game and how the game never stops moving,” he said.

Orlando changed his career by switching to soccer from grades 7-1. He was the wide receiver/cornerback for the Jaguars.

The talented TJ athlete will return to the pitch in 2021 as a sophomore with 10 goals and 7 assists.

“Anthony started making a name for himself last year as a sophomore when he decided to come back and play football after playing football for a few years,” Doc Krish said. “Going into this year, I knew Anthony was poised to be a breakout year. I made it a player and a team leader.

“He was appointed captain before the season. But that didn’t slow him down. Anthony was recognized by other coaches this season and named Section 3 Player of the Year. ”

As expected, the 17-year-old Orlando plays the game with exceptional confidence.

“I play 10 (position), which is an attacking midfielder, but I also played the position of striker. In the offseason, I will work on improving my shot and overall speed.”

Orlando, who attended Steele Center for carpentry work and hopes to continue his football career in college, is already eager to start next year. The prospects for the team in 2023 look great.

“I want to thank my head coach, Doc, for believing in me from the beginning to my return to football,” Orlando said. “The 2023 season is still a long way off, but we are excited and hope to go further in the playoffs.

“We won’t lose a lot of seniors[by graduation]and the chemistry is there, so our offense will be strong. I’m sure it can be filled.

Kulish coach echoed his star player sentiment.

The veteran field boss said, “We look forward to another successful season in 2023, led by Anthony and a great core of returning players.

Two other all-section players for TJ this season are senior captain Andre Bekavac, who won the Senior Excellence Award from the United Coaches Association, and defender Robbie, who was named the Jaguars Defensive Player of the Year by his teammates. was a shoemaker. His Bekavac midfielder earned All-WPIAL accolades.

Sophomore forward Jake Shoemaker and junior midfielder Nate Powell also landed honors in all sections.

Seven players from the TJ Girls soccer team were selected for the All Section. Seniors Abby Atkinson (GK), Emma Martinis (F), Jordan Sinclair (D), Olivia Sapp (MF), Bella Vozer (D), junior Natalie Lamenza (F)) and sophomore Olivia Della Lucia (MF).

Vozar and Lamenza also received All-WPIAL honors.

The TJ Girls finished 13-1 in sections and 17-3 overall.

Tags: thomas jefferson