YORK, PA-York College men’s basketball coach Jeff Gamber is pleased to announce that John Zerfing has joined the Spartan men’s staff for the 2008-09 season. Zerfing is no stranger to the Spartan program. His son Brad was a four-year letter winner for the green and white from 2003-2007. He has also served as the color analyst with play-by-play man Darrell Henry for the Spartan Basketball Radio Network on WOYK 1350 AM for the last three years.

Zerfing brings a wealth of experience to Gamber’s staff. After completing his playing career at Dickinson College, he started his coaching career by coordinating the Pleasureville/North Hills youth basketball program. Zerfing ran the program, which served as the feeder program for the Central York School district, from 1989 to 1996. He was responsible for coaching over 200 boys and girls grades three through ten.

In 1996, Zerfing moved into the freshman coaching position at Central York. He remained the freshman coach until 2000 when he became the junior varsity coach. The next year, he was elevated to the head varsity position at Central York where he experienced great success in his four years at the helm of the program. The Panthers went 20-8 in his first year as head coach as they finished sixth in District 3. Zerfing recorded 57 wins in his four years at the helm of program while he was named the YAIAA Coach of the Year in 2001-02 and 2002-03.

Zerfing left coaching to follow Brad and the Spartans but the itch was too much and he returned to the bench as a varsity assistant at Susquehannock High School for the 2006-07 season.

In addition to Zerfing’s accomplishments in high school coaching, he co-founded the Courage AAU basketball program of York in 2001. He coached the 10th-12th grade team from 2001 to 2007.

Zerfing is excited to join the Spartan squad.

“I'm very excited for this opportunity to coach at York College,” says Zerfing. “I've been fortunate to have experienced the tremendous success the basketball program has had over the last five seasons from a parent's perspective and as a radio broadcast partner for many of their games. I have gotten to know many of the players, as well as Jeff and Dean, over this time period and look forward to being part of the team and working with them. I have tremendous respect for Jeff and Dean, and for what they've accomplished with the program.  I feel very fortunate they've given me this opportunity to be a part of York's basketball program.”

Gamber is also happy to have someone of Zerfing’s experience joining the staff.

“John will be a great addition to our program,” says Gamber. “His experience and expertise will help us continue our success.”

The Spartans open practice on October 15 and then open their season on November 15 when they host the White Rose City Classic with Susquehanna, Misericordia, and Neumann.