Football | 1/28/2026 7:20:00 PM
BEAVER FALLS, Pa. (pacathletics.org) - Following a national search, which provided multiple qualified candidates, Geneva College is turning to one of its own as the 30th head football coach in school history. Tom Contenta, who has served on the football coaching staff since 2007 and played for the Golden Tornadoes from 2002-05, will become just the third Geneva head football coach since 1976 in taking over the reins following a 33-year tenure from Geno DeMarco.
"Coach Contenta has a clear vision for the future of Geneva College football," says Director of Athletics Van Zanic. "Throughout the process, Coach Contenta's passion for Geneva College, for the football program and most importantly for the student-athletes was crystal clear. I am beyond excited for the next chapter of Geneva football and to see how the Lord will work through Coach Contenta and his calling to be the next head football coach for the Golden Tornadoes."
Contenta has served as the assistant head coach for the football program next to Coach DeMarco for the last several seasons. He's spent time as both the offensive and defensive coordinator for the Golden Tornadoes, and he has also served as Geneva's recruiting coordinator for many years.
"Geneva College is a place where faith, academics and football align," says Contenta. "I'm honored to lead this program and excited to build a culture rooted in Christ, committed to excellence and dedicated to developing young men on and off the field. I want to thank President Troup, Athletics Director Van Zanic and the rest of the committee for giving me this opportunity. I also want to thank my wife Chelsea, my parents, my children, Coach DeMarco, along with so many others, for their constant support over the years to put me in a position to be able to accept this tremendous responsibility."
Contenta has deep roots in this area. He was a standout prep player for New Brighton High School before arriving on Geneva's campus in 2002, and he went on to have a distinguished career as an all-conference safety, earning NCCAA All-American honors by the end of his career. After graduating from Geneva in 2006 with a degree in Youth Ministry, he went back to New Brighton High School where he began his coaching career before moving back to College Hill in 2007. He has served on the Geneva football staff for the past 19 seasons and was inducted into the New Brighton Gridiron Hall of Fame in 2025.
Tom and his wife Chelsea have three children, Ethan, Isaiah and Blakelynn. They worship at Champion Life Church.
Contributed by Geneva Sports Information