JEFFREY REINHART jreinhart@LNPnews.com

Jim Cantafio has taken his name out of the running for the Ephrata football coaching job.

He sent this release to the New Era and to Ephrata School District officials on Friday, announcing his intentions:

After careful consideration, my wife and I have decided that it would be best for me to withdraw my name from the running for the Head Football Coach at Ephrata. Due to the fact that the Ephrata School District does not have a teaching job to offer, it is in the best of interest of my family that I pursue other opportunities.

I am grateful to the Ephrata School Board and Administration for giving me the opportunity to interview for the job.

I would also like to thank the Ephrata community for their tremendous support. I have met some very nice people in Ephrata along the way who have been very helpful and supportive. Unfortunately, this just isn’t the right opportunity for me. Hopefully, everyone will understand that I have a family to take care of, and that I need to do what is best for them. We have a daughter who is currently in college, and a son who heads to college next year. The fact of the matter is, it’s necessary for me to have a teaching job along with the coaching.

Again, thank you for the opportunity. I wish much success to the Ephrata Football Team.

Sincerely,

Jim Cantafio