News Summary

The Copiague varsity football team bids farewell to head coach Ken Rittenhouse after a remarkable 16-year tenure. Rittenhouse, who also played as a student, has made a significant impact on the program, including breaking a 42-game losing streak. His departure marks a transition as Phil Fortuno steps in as head coach, continuing Rittenhouse’s legacy while maintaining optimism for the team’s future, especially amidst challenges faced during the pandemic.

Copiague Bids Farewell to Coach Ken Rittenhouse After 16 Season Journey

In a bittersweet turn of events for the local football community, Copiague is parting ways with head coach Ken Rittenhouse after an inspiring 16 seasons leading the varsity football team. This year started with high hopes for Rittenhouse, who had plans to return for one more season before heading off to sunny Florida. However, during a rather abrupt January meeting with athletic director William Bennett, Rittenhouse learned the district wanted to take the program in a new direction.

A Transition in Leadership

Stepping into Rittenhouse’s shoes will be Phil Fortuno, who has been diligently working as the junior varsity coach. Transition can often be challenging, but the confidence in Fortuno’s ability to guide the Eagles forward seems to be a silver lining in this change. While Rittenhouse has hung up his coaching hat, he will continue to teach math at Copiague this upcoming school year, maintaining his presence in the school and community.

Reflecting on a Remarkable Tenure

Rittenhouse’s history with Copiague runs deep. Not only did he coach the Eagles, but he was also a student there and proudly wore the jersey as the starting quarterback in his senior year. Throughout his tenure, Rittenhouse witnessed and helped shape the program through its ups and downs. One of the recent highlights was the Eagles breaking a Long Island record by finally ending a grueling 42-game losing streak, finishing last season with a respectable 2-6 record following two thrilling wins.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The pandemic posed tremendous challenges for many high school teams, and Rittenhouse candidly spoke about how it significantly impacted the program’s roster and overall competitiveness. Before the pandemic, there seemed to be a competitive spirit among the Eagles. However, post-pandemic performances took some hits. Even during those tough times, Rittenhouse expressed an unwavering optimism for the program’s future, noting that it possesses a ton of potential to rise again.

Exciting Wins on the Horizon

Last season showcased resilience and determination when the Eagles finally secured victories that fans and players had been waiting years for—first against Centereach in a nail-biting overtime triumph of 20-19, followed by a decisive 47-19 victory against Deer Park. These moments brought joy back to the stands and highlighted the program’s turnaround possibilities.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite stepping down, Rittenhouse remains hopeful and genuinely positive about the future of Copiague football. He notably expressed pride in the growth of the middle school program, foreseeing a strong foundation for upcoming years. The results of the last season gave him a reason to believe that brighter days are ahead for the Eagles.

What’s Next for Copiague Football?

Copiague school district hasn’t commented on the recent coaching changes, maintaining that they do not discuss personnel matters publicly. While Rittenhouse may have been dismissed as head coach, the spirit he instilled in his players and the community will surely resonate for years to come. As Fortuno takes over, fans and players alike will be watching closely, hoping for even more exciting moments on the gridiron.

As the new school year approaches, the Copiague Eagles are gearing up for the future. One thing is for sure: the heart and dedication that Rittenhouse laid down during his era will continue to inspire, and perhaps, just perhaps, lead the Eagles to reclaim their glory in the seasons to come.

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