The Sheptock era has ended at Wilkes University. After 23 years at Wilkes, including 18 seasons as head football coach, Frank Sheptock resigned to become director of athletics at Berwick Area School District.

“Wilkes has had such a huge impact on me both personally and professionally and I have the utmost respect for the administration at the University who gave me the chance to be a part of it all,” Sheptock said. “The amount of student-athletes and families that have come through this football program means a tremendous amount to me as I have forged some relationships that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

But Sheptock, a Berwick native, said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work within his hometown community.

Sheptock had a distinguished playing career as a linebacker at Bloomsburg University, where he was a three-time first team Associated Press All-American and a four-time All-PSAC selection. He was voted to the NCAA Division II Team of the Quarter Century in 1997 and in 2007 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Sheptock graduated from Bloomsburg in 1986 with a degree in business administration-accounting and came to Wilkes in 1990, serving as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the Colonels from 1992 to 1995. In four seasons, he turned the Colonels into one of the top defenses in the MAC.

Sheptock was given the reins in 1996, becoming just the seventh head coach in the program’s history. Under his leadership, the team has 107-81 record, including two NCAA and seven ECAC postseason berths during his tenure, culminating with a Middle Atlantic Conference championship win in 2006. The 2006 team finished a school-best 11-1. He leaves as the school’s all-time winningest coach, surpassing the Rollie Schmidt who was 90-73-1 from 1962-1981.

“I will miss the university and the kids, but I am excited for the new challenges ahead at Berwick where I plan on introducing new ideas and initiatives in my new position,” Sheptock added. “Wilkes is a very special place to me; I have made so many great friends and experiences during my time at Wilkes that will remain with me forever.”

Sheptock has coached more than 120 all-MAC players during his time as head coach, including two players of the year and eight All-Americans.

Wilkes has already begun work on finding his replacement.