Congrats Dr. Gary Senecal

Saint John’s High School is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Gary Senecal as its next Head Varsity Football coach. Having grown up in Worcester, Senecal brings extensive experience, a deep connection to the Worcester community, and a diverse coaching background at several prestigious institutions, including his alma mater, St. Peter-Marian High School, as well as Keefe Technical High School, the University of West Georgia, Assumption University, and has served previously as the Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach for the Saint John’s High School varsity team. Most recently, he served as the Head Varsity Football Coach at Saint Paul High School in Worcester.

With a wealth of experience at the high school and collegiate coaching levels, Senecal is committed to building on the strong tradition of Saint John’s football while fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and character development. His leadership is set to inspire both student-athletes and the entire Saint John’s community, continuing the legacy of success on and off the field.

Dr. Gary Senecal received his Bachelor’s degree from St. Anselm College, Master’s degree from the Katholieke Universiteit of Leuven in Belgium, and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of West Georgia in 2015. He has served as a professor at Assumption University since 2014 and an active member of the Army Reserves since 2013.

“Growing up in Worcester and graduating from St. Peter-Marian, I’ve always known Saint John’s to be among the top programs in Central Mass - tough, competitive, and built on a long legacy of excellence,” says Senecal. “Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of becoming a part of this community and competing in the highly competitive Catholic Conference. It is my top priority to not only ensure our team has the support it needs to be confident and successful as a top contender in Division I football, but also to serve as a partner to our players and families in achieving individual player development and success here at Saint John’s and beyond. It is a great honor to carry forward the tradition, legacy, and high standards that have made this program so successful.”

“On behalf of the Saint John’s community, I am excited to welcome Dr. Gary Senecal as our new Head Varsity Football Coach,” said Dr. Benjamin Horgan, Head of School. “Gary is more than a coach - he is an educator and mentor who understands that athletics play an important role in shaping young men of character. His deep ties to our Worcester community, extensive coaching experience, and commitment to developing student-athletes make him an outstanding fit for our program. Under his leadership, our football team will not only compete at a high level but will continue to grow in discipline, perseverance, and brotherhood - values that are at the heart of the Saint John’s mission.”

“I could not think of a more perfect union than that of Saint John’s and Coach Gary Senecal,” shares Coach Bob Chesney, current Head Football Coach at James Madison University and former Head Coach at the College of the Holy Cross. “Congratulations to Saint John’s on hiring the perfect football coach to lead their young men and program. Gary is a tireless worker, disciplined man, and a great father. Gary has an elite football mind and he is a lifelong learner that will challenge his players to be the best version of themselves on and off the field.” 

Coach Chesney adds, “Gary’s personal mission aligns perfectly with Saint John’s and the thought of him leading these future leaders of the Worcester community is more than anyone could ask for. I can’t wait to watch the impact he has on the entire school and the great community.”

“Coach Senecal has been a true leader and steward of our mission as the Head Coach of our winter and spring Track programs here at Saint John’s,” shares Michael Mead, Saint John’s Athletic Director. “We are confident that his experience and dedication to our student-athletes and families will be a tremendous asset to our football program and we look forward to his leadership within our community.”

In addition to accepting the position of Head Coach, Senecal will continue to serve as our Head Varsity Indoor Track and Track & Field Coach at Saint John’s in the winter and spring seasons, respectively.