CATAWISSA, Pa. — While Friday night may seem like a high school football team celebrating a win in Columbia County, it's actually a celebration of a coach who just made state history.
Jim Roth, Head Coach of Southern Columbia Area High School Football, is now the first football coach in the state and one of five in the country to win 500 games.
"One of the other things that's been a huge part of our success is we've always put a huge emphasis on respect between coaches and players," said Coach Roth.
Roth coached hundreds of players throughout his four decades as head coach at Southern Columbia. Some came to the game to celebrate their coach's newest milestone, just as they did back when they were on the field.
"We were down at Jim Thorpe, and Jim Roth got his first win," said Jim Becker.
"I was on his 100th win team," added Butch Romanoski, class of 1994.
"2003, where he got his 300th win," said Henry Hynoski.
Although Jim Roth's coaching style has changed throughout his 40 years, former and current players say his dedication to his team never changed.
"One of the things why coach is still coaching is he evolved," said Jim Becker, Class of 1984. "As the game changed, as kids change a little bit, he's evolved."
Although 500 wins is a monumental achievement for most, to Coach Roth, 500 is just another number.
"We're always looking forward, always looking ahead. We're not dwelling on what we did in the past," said Coach Roth.
However, one thing is for sure: With this 500th win, Coach Roth cemented himself as one of the best football coaches in the state.