After more than three decades of service, Physical Education teacher Mark Baney will retire from teaching at the end of this school year. Baney began his journey at State High as a student teacher in 1990, and he never left. For the past 32 and a half years, he’s been a consistent presence in the halls, gyms, and fields of the school.
Though he’s stepping away from the classroom, Baney will continue to serve as an integral part of the State High football program, entering his 37th season as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach next fall. Over the years, he coached under Ron Pavlechko, Dave Lintal, Al Wolski, and now, Matt Lintal.
Baney reflected on where his love for education first began.
“I’ve always had the desire to coach and to teach. I first started thinking about education, my first love was probably special ed. Then phys ed became a big part of my life,” Baney said.
State High also proved to be the right fit for Baney and his family.
“During my senior year, I got married, and my wife and I lived in town. She had a full-time job at Mount Nittany [Hospital]. So we weren’t going to leave that full-time job. It was a great fit because we both had jobs in town,” Baney said.
For Baney, it was always about more than just physical fitness. He wanted his students to enjoy coming to class.
“My main goal for my students, I think when I look back through all the years, was that when they came to class, they had fun,” Baney said.
Head Football Coach Matt Lintal, who once had Baney as a gym teacher and now coaches alongside him, shared one of his favorite high school memories.
“When we had the two schools, and kids and teachers would be switching classes sometimes. Crossing the street and walking through the parking lot, and then next thing you know, like, Coach Baney is popping out to ask you a football question. Just out of the blue,” Lintal said.
Senior defensive back and wide receiver Cooper Brushwood also appreciated Baney’s unexpected hallway encounters.
“He’ll just stop me in the middle of the hallway and we’ll talk for 5-10 minutes. It’s always great but you never know what coach is gonna be talking about next, it’s a wonderful surprise,” Brushwood said
He added that Baney’s energy before games is unforgettable. “Thursday practices before like big games, like Harrisburg, he gets really animated. So we kind of love it, it’s super funny. But I think those are some of my most vivid ones,” Brushwood said.
Coach Lintal praised Baney’s lasting impact on the football program.
“I took over in 2014, he has been the constant and our program has been consistently good. It’s because, I firmly believe, because of 37 years of dedication from Mark,” Baney said.
Brushwood echoed that sentiment.“There’s nobody I would rather play for on the defensive side. He’s a players’ coach, for sure, and he’s always looking after us,” Brushwood said.
Lintal spoke personally about what Baney has meant to him throughout the years.
“You know, to play under him, to coach alongside him. He’s the guy I rely on on a day-to-day basis. And our program is not what it is without Mark Baney,” Lintal said.
As Baney prepares to close out this chapter, he is looking forward to the freedom retirement brings.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with my family, to do a little bit more traveling, and to continue coaching. I think it’ll be fun not to have to worry about teaching all day and then coach at night,” Baney said.
Baney’s departure marks the end of an era at State High. From the gym to the football field, he has made generations of students feel seen, supported, and inspired. Though he may be retiring from the classroom, the impact he’s made will remain a part of the school’s story for years to come.
