May 12, 2025
Center Valley, PA. – The Southern Lehigh School District Department of Athletics and Administrative team has recommended John Arcidiacono to be Southern Lehigh’s next Head Boys Basketball Coach, pending School Board approval on May 12, 2025. Coach Arcidiacono will be replacing Ryan Wehr who held the position for 4 seasons.
Coach “Arch” emerged as the top candidate during the screening and interview process. John played basketball at East Hampton High School in Connecticut and graduated from DeSales University. John has been a business teacher at Absegami High School (New Jersey) for the last 5 years. During his time at Absegami, Coach Arcidiacono was an assistant basketball coach for 1 season and has been the head boys’ basketball coach for the last 4 seasons.
As Head Basketball coach at Absegami, Coach Arcidiacono changed the culture of their program. Before his tenure as head coach, Absegami had a combined 11 wins in 4 seasons. During Coach Arcidiacono’s 4 years, the program amassed 73 wins. Absegami also hosted their first home state and conference playoff games in school history. In 2023 and 2025, Absegami reached the state semi-finals. John will be leaving Absegami High School as the 2nd winningest coach in school history.
Athletic Director Matt Spengler had this to say, “Coach Arcidiacono stood out during the interview process. His success at Absegami, his vision for SL, passion, and commitment to the sport of basketball really resonated with the committee. John is excited to move back to Pennsylvania and Southern Lehigh is thrilled to have him as the next head boys’ basketball coach.”
Coach “Arch” said this when asked about the opportunity at Southern Lehigh, “I’m excited for the opportunity to pursue excellence at Southern Lehigh and strive to make this into a top- tier program that will compete at the highest level. We’re going to build a family like atmosphere where we develop basketball players and young men that will have each other’s backs on and off the court. I want to thank the interview committee, the Principal; Mr. Miller and the Athletic Director; Mr. Spengler for the opportunity to lead the Southern Lehigh boys’ basketball program as we head in this new direction.”
