Braden Fochtman takes over reins as new Somerset football coach

The Somerset Area School District Board of Directors approved the hiring of Braden Fochtman as the new head varsity football coach, Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Fochtman takes over for Jeff Urban, who stepped down after four seasons.

"I have been forming a relationship will all of these athletes and building a culture that I bought into with them," said Fochtman. "These guys feed off my energy. When the position opened, it was a no-brainer for me to apply. These kids trust in me and believe in me. I can tell from the energy I give them ... they respond very well to it."

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Fochtman, a former Berlin Brothersvalley standout who holds the all-time career rushing record in Somerset County, was on Urban's staff the past two years. The 28-year-old previously was an assistant at his alma mater under Doug Paul, where he was also a teacher for three years and head varsity wrestling coach. Fochtman is currently in his second year as an elementary guidance counselor at Somerset. Fochtman played football collegiately at Slippery Rock University. He also owns Iron Mountain Training Center in Berlin.

"I am grateful to have an opportunity at this age," Fochtman said. "I am really excited to be in this position with kids who believe in me and trust the process that I am about. I have great people around me, and I knew this was the right decision. I want to make an impact on these kids. I feel like this has been a path destined for me."

This has the potential to be a home run hire for a program that went 10-32 the past four seasons, capturing a district title in 2024. Somerset's previous postseason appearance prior to 2024 came in 2018. The Golden Eagles have produced 10 straight losing campaigns. Fochtman could be the change the program needs.

"I am thrilled that Braden was the successful candidate for our opening," Somerset Athletic Director Scott Close said. "He is dynamic and provides the energy and knowledge needed to rebuild our football program.  He understands the task at hand and is excited to work with the players to maximize their potential.  I look forward to a positive future of Golden Eagle football with Braden at the helm."

While Fochtman does not have the head coaching experience, he does bring a vast knowledge of the game and youthful exuberance to the Golden Eagles.

"Through playing and coaching the sport, it has taught me many life lessons that I want to give back to these kids," Fochtman said. "I think playing at a good Division II school, I learned great life lessons. I learned about building a winning culture at both Berlin and Slippery Rock. You have to have a positive attitude on and off the field. When the culture is built, athletes feed off it and that becomes the standard. You have to be accountable, resilient, play with relentless effort. These are all things you can take on the field, but off the field as well. It's not about the outcomes, it's about progress – and if you take that into life – success seems to find people like that."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Former Berlin standout Fochtman hired as new Somerset football coach