VC football coach steps down

By Mike Zummo
Posted 6/18/24

Andrew LaVallie will not be returning to the Valley Central Vikings’ sidelines in the fall.

Valley Central School District Superintendent Evette Avila announced in an email to the …

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VC football coach steps down

Posted

Andrew LaVallie will not be returning to the Valley Central Vikings’ sidelines in the fall.

Valley Central School District Superintendent Evette Avila announced in an email to the community on Thursday that LaVallie “voluntarily decided” not to reapply to return as the Vikings’ head football coach.
“We would like to thank Mr. LaVallie for his contributions to our athletic program and students,” Avila said in the email.

LaVallie has been the Vikings’ coach since the 2019 season when he took over for longtime football coach Ron Introini. He coached the Vikings for five seasons and guided them through the COVID-19 pandemic, which included a canceled Fall 2020 season and a short spring 2021 season in its place.

He said it was an honor to coach the Vikings for five years, but the decision to step down was the best for him and his family.

“I truly enjoyed my time with the athletes and coaches, from the early morning practices to Friday nights,” LaVallie said.

The Vikings never won more than three games in a season under his tenure and did that three times: 2019, 2021, and 2023. He finished with an 11-31 record.

Avila said the district has started the process of hiring the district’s next football coach and will be conducting interviews this week.

Athletic Director Richard Steger II could not be reached for comment.

The New York State Education Dept. has approved high school football practices to begin on Aug. 19. The Vikings are scheduled to open the season on Sept. 12 at home against the Washingtonville Wizards.

“I wish the team good luck this season and will be cheering from the classroom and the sideline,” LaVallie said.