Not-so new Garnet Valley coach Van Wyk inherits a winning legacy

CONCORD >> The slogan for Garnet Valley’s football class of 2023 is set. Its object is purposefully vague.

“Prove it,” goes the motto devised by the rising Jaguars seniors. As for the “it” …

That late year’s run to the District 1 Class 6A title and PIAA semifinals is replicable? That this group belongs alongside a storied class of 2022? That the transition in eras from three decades under Mike Ricci to new coach Eric Van Wyk won’t knock GV from the ranks of the Central League and district’s elite?

“We take pride in our past here at Garnet Valley, no matter what the past year was,” Van Wyk said. “What I love about this senior class that we have is they’re embracing the past, but now they want to make their mark on it. It’s been my thought as well. … It’s the seniors’ turn and my turn to help continue the tradition of excellence that has been created for us.”

Following last year’s success was going to be a tough task, no matter who was in charge. A first district championship since 2007 and four straight Central League crowns, with a 34-game league unbeaten streak dating to 2017 — that’s a lot for a new coach to inherit from Ricci, who won 263 games over 35 seasons.

Van Wyk, though, is ready for the challenge. He considers Ricci a mentor whose importance in his life is eclipsed only by his own parents. The 2008 graduate and baseball All-Delco has spent 10 years on staff, coaching freshman football and working with varsity quarterbacks.

After so much focus on granular details as a position coach within the vast GV football machine, he’s enjoying the more global view as the head man.

“Getting to see the whole view of this coaching staff, with 20 coaches, we’re so blessed to have that,” he said. “It’s been really cool to see the opportunity to see everyone coaching and how special that is. I’ve really enjoyed that. It’s been stressful at times, as well, no doubt about it. It’s a learning curve, but I have a lot of great coaches helping me out.”

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Garnet Valley’s Matt Mesaros will take over at quarterback this season, following in the footsteps of All-Delco Max Busenkell. (Pete Bannan/MediaNews Group)