My first year at The Evening Sun – and my first week – was covering the fall sports season. It was at that time that I brought myself up to speed with the recent success of Norwich varsity football. And success was a rather modest term to call the accomplishments of the Tornado at that time.
Head coach John Pluta presided over one of the best three-year runs in Norwich football history. Three division titles, two sectional championships, one regional championship, and a 20-game winning streak. His teams won nearly 30 games during that time, and it was at that point, Norwich became entrenched as one of the best football programs in Section IV.
Pluta, who led Norwich to eight division titles and three sectional championships over a 20-year span, told his team from last season that he would not be returning for a 21st campaign. After 35 years of coaching football, the last 23 at Norwich (the first three as an assistant), Pluta is moving on to the next level of football as an assistant coach on the Morrisville State football team. Pluta will serve as the defensive line coach under Morrisville head coach Terry Dow.
“I had not thought about this for long, and I told people at our football banquet that I planned on coming back,” Pluta said. “As the college recruiting season went along, we had coaches come in a talk to our seniors. This year, Terry asked me if I ever thought about coaching on the next level. I told him that I had thought about it a little more at this time in my career than at other times. He said that when I got back from Christmas vacation and I want to talk, send him an e-mail.”
Pluta talked it over with his family and decided it was the right time to explore a new coaching challenge. He eventually interviewed with Dow, and was offered the defensive line coaching position. The next day, Pluta informed Dow that he would accept the offer.
“It was a difficult decision,” Pluta said. “I love Norwich and I love the kids. The thing I am proudest of, in terms of our program, is the respect other coaches and players have for our kids and how hard they play the game. That’s what has made it difficult. Even though I will no longer be a part of Norwich football, Norwich will always be a part of me. I love Norwich football and game of football. I’m a lifer.”
“This is what I do and it’s a great opportunity,” Pluta continued. “I’m 58 years old. Opportunities don’t usually present themselves at this stage. It feels good that (Morrisville) was interested in me.”
Pluta leaves behind a strong program that won six games last fall including wins over two sectional champions, along with a coaching staff that has been intact for several years. Pluta said he is hopeful longtime defensive coordinator, John Martinson will be given the opportunity to lead the program next season.
“John has been absolutely loyal to our program and the kids the last 20 years,” Pluta said. “He’s so thorough and has great respect among the other coaches. Not just our school, but around the section.”
Pluta finished his head coaching career at Norwich and previously at Harpursville with well over 130 career wins.