Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League

 
George Novak knew how to bring people from diverse backgrounds and communities together to pursue a common goal. He was the right man and the right coach for the job when the Woodland Hills School District was molded by a federal mandate that combined eight distinctly separate former high schools. He used athletics, football in particular, as a rallying point for the school and the community and turned the Wolverines program into a respected and feared powerhouse, all while sharing life and its lesson with the student-athletes in his charge. His career record of 306-139-3 makes him one of only three coaches in WPIAL history to have won 300 or more games. He is also one of only seven coaches all-time to win six WPIAL football championships. A three-sport athlete at Munhall High School, Novak played football at Georgia Tech. Spurning a career in the business world, George followed his desire to teach and coach. As Head Football Coach at Steel Valley High School, his Ironmen won the 1982 WPIAL crown. He moved across the “Mon” when Woody Hi opened in 1987. The Wolverines won their first title in 1996 and captured crowns in 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2009. Three of his teams finished in the PIAA 4A Final.