David John Van Halanger

David John Van Halanger passed away on April 2, 2023, at the age of 69.
Dave was born on October 15, 1953, to Eleanor and Richard Van Halanger Sr. in Turtle Creek, PA. After Dave graduated from Turtle Creek high school in 1972, he went on to attend Greenbriar Preparatory School. Dave earned a full scholarship to play football at West Virginia University, where he was team caption in 1975 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
After graduation, Dave began his coaching career that spanned 40 years. For the first 36 of those years, he was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at West Virginia University, Florida State University, and the University of Georgia. Dave’s teams won over 300 games, with 18 top-10 finishes and 30 bowl game appearances. In addition to those achievements, he also coached 2 Heisman Trophy winners and 40 first-round NFL draft picks and was named the strength coach of the year twice, in 1993 and 1998. Dave was a founding member of the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association and was inducted into the USA Strength and Conditioning Hall of Fame.
In 1974, Dave met the love of his life, Michele, at West Virginia University. Dave and Michele went on to raise 5 children, Julie, Danielle, Matthew, Michael, and Katelyn, and one grandson, Joshua. He is survived by his sister Valerie Warning and proceeded in death by his brother Richard Jr.
Dave, best known as Coach Van, will be remembered as a beloved husband and father. Words cannot adequately express the depth of his love and devotion to his family and his athletic family. Dave showed his devotion to God through his love for every person he knew and coached. His compassionate heart and pursuit of greatness permeated every place of influence God gave him. He was faithful in loving God, praying for others, and especially laughing with his family even in his final moments. He lit up every place he walked into, from his home living room to the weight room. He inspired many and devoted his life to Christ