Sussex County Community College names Bobby Leach head football coach, outlines vision for Skylanders
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County Community College has appointed veteran coach Bobby Leach as the new head football coach for its Skylanders program, bringing decades of coaching experience, deep local ties and a strong emphasis on student-athlete development to the role.
Leach began his coaching career in 1998 as an assistant coach at Hopatcong High School, where he spent three years before returning to his alma mater, Delaware Valley College, as an assistant coach for six seasons. During that time, he was part of a staff focused on recruiting student-athletes who fit the program’s culture, helping the team achieve a winning season.
His high school coaching career continued at Wallkill Valley High School from 2007 to 2010, followed by a head coaching stint at Sussex County Technical School from 2010 to 2016. At Tech, Leach led the program to the state playoffs in 2015, marking the school’s first playoff appearance. He later returned to Wallkill Valley as head coach from 2017 to 2023.
Leach describes his coaching style as “old school,” centered on effort, accountability and discipline.
“It doesn’t take talent to work hard,” Leach said. “You just need to give your best every day. Hard work and commitment are the foundation of everything we do.”
College officials said the hire reflects SCCC’s commitment to building a sustainable football program rooted in the local community.
“This coach understands Sussex County, understands our student-athletes, and understands what it takes to build a program the right way,” Poltersdorf said. “His experience, leadership, and emphasis on accountability and academics make him the right fit for SCCC and for the future of Skylanders football.”
Recruiting locally is a key part of Leach’s approach, with an emphasis on Sussex County and nearby schools, while also drawing interest from students outside the area.
“My first priority was staying local,” he said. “We can sustain and grow this program by giving county kids an opportunity to play close to home. That’s important to me.”
Looking ahead, Leach said his focus will be on competitiveness, culture and commitment.
“We need to put a competitive team on the field and create a positive experience,” he said. “That starts with trust—players and coaches working together, and it starts in the weight room. We’re asking our student-athletes to commit, mentally and physically, to doing things the right way.”
Academic success will remain central to the program, supported by dedicated advising and clear expectations for attendance, study hall and grades.
“The goal is to get an education first and play football second,” Leach said.
Leach also emphasized the importance of life skills beyond athletics.
“Commitment, mental toughness, responsibility; those are lessons that carry into everything they do after college,” he said.
Skylands Stadium is expected to play a major role in shaping the program’s future, with Leach envisioning afternoon kickoffs, strong community turnout and an energetic atmosphere.
“It’s a huge selling point for recruits and something the whole county can rally around,” he said.
Community involvement will also be a priority, with plans for increased visibility across Sussex County and opportunities for residents to connect with the team.
“If we do this the right way, it can be something really special,” Leach said. “And when you start winning, it’s amazing how it brings the community together and how they will come out to support you.”
More information about Sussex County Community College athletics is available at SussexSkylanders.com.
