Huntington Celebrates Coaches Appreciation Day

Blue Devil Coaches Make a Difference On and Off the Field.

The Huntington Union Free School District proudly recognizes the dedicated men and women who lead and inspire its student-athletes in celebration of Coaches Appreciation Day.

Throughout Huntington’s interscholastic athletic program, coaches devote countless hours to developing student-athletes, building competitive programs and creating experiences that extend far beyond wins and losses. From the first practice of a season through the final competition, Huntington’s coaches serve as teachers, mentors, motivators and role models.

The results of that commitment can be seen throughout Huntington athletics. Blue Devil teams have captured championships, advanced to postseason competition and celebrated memorable accomplishments, while individual student-athletes have achieved personal bests, earned postseason honors and gone on to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Behind each of those accomplishments is a coaching staff committed to helping students reach their potential.

Huntington’s interscholastic athletic program is led by Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Jim Hoops, with the support of Coordinator of Athletics, Physical Education and Health Michael Marinello. Together, they work closely with the district’s coaches to provide student-athletes with programs built around competition, sportsmanship, personal growth and pride in representing Huntington.

“Athletics are an important part of the educational experience in Huntington because they provide our students with opportunities to develop perseverance, teamwork, leadership and a sense of responsibility to something larger than themselves,” Superintendent of Schools Beth McCoy said. “Our coaches understand that their responsibility extends well beyond preparing students for competition. They are helping young people develop the character, confidence and habits that will serve them throughout their lives. We are tremendously grateful for the time and energy they invest in our students.”

Huntington’s coaching staff includes experienced educators and community members who bring tremendous knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to their roles. The program is also strengthened by the many assistant and volunteer coaches who work alongside head coaches and provide additional instruction, encouragement and mentorship to Blue Devil student-athletes.

Huntington is especially fortunate to have many accomplished alumni who are now competing at the collegiate level return home during their college breaks to give back to the programs that helped shape them. These former Blue Devils share their experience, knowledge and enthusiasm with current student-athletes while serving as powerful examples of where hard work and dedication can lead. Their willingness to return to Huntington speaks to the lasting relationships created through athletics and the tremendous sense of Blue Devil pride that continues long after graduation.

“Our coaches are an extraordinary group of people, and what they give to our students cannot be measured only by a team’s record,” Deputy Superintendent Chris Hender said. “They arrive early, stay late, celebrate our students when they succeed and support them when things don’t go their way. Jim Hoops and Michael Marinello provide tremendous leadership to our athletic program, and our coaches have embraced the expectation that Huntington athletics should be competitive while always remaining focused on the growth and well-being of our student-athletes. I could not be more appreciative of the work they do for our students and our district.”

That commitment has helped create an athletic culture in which Blue Devil student-athletes are encouraged to set ambitious goals and understand that success can take many forms. It can mean winning a championship or advancing in the postseason. It can mean setting a personal best, earning a starting position, returning from an injury, contributing to a team for the first time or earning an opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.

Just as importantly, Huntington’s coaches teach their student-athletes how to respond to adversity, support their teammates, compete with integrity and represent their school and community with pride.

The relationships formed through athletics often endure well beyond a student’s final season. The former Blue Devils who return to help current athletes are a testament to that impact and to the generations of coaches who have helped make Huntington athletics such an important part of the district’s culture.

On Coaches Appreciation Day, the Huntington Union Free School District extends its sincere gratitude to every Blue Devil coach for the time, expertise, encouragement and care they provide to Huntington’s student-athletes.

Whether celebrating a championship, preparing for postseason competition, helping an athlete achieve a new personal best or simply encouraging a student through a difficult practice, Huntington’s coaches continue to demonstrate that some of the most important victories in athletics are the lessons students carry with them long after the season ends.

Happy Coaches Appreciation Day to Huntington’s outstanding coaching staff and thank you for everything you do for our Blue Devils.