News Summary
Jon LaPoint has been appointed the new varsity football coach at Colonie High School, marking a significant moment in his career as he returns to his alma mater. With a strong background as a former player and veteran coach, LaPoint aims to revitalize the football program following years of struggles. He will focus on player development and teamwork while looking to restore competitiveness. The community is optimistic about the potential changes he brings to the program, hoping to inspire a new generation of athletes.
Jon LaPoint Takes Charge as New Varsity Football Coach in Colonie
The sunny city of Colonie is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes Jon LaPoint as the new varsity football coach at Colonie High School. For LaPoint, this isn’t just a job; it’s a homecoming. As a proud graduate of Colonie High in 2010, he knows the ins and outs of the school’s football program like the back of his hand.
A Passion for Football
LaPoint’s journey in football started with his education at SUNY Cortland. After finishing his studies, he joined the Colonie coaching staff in 2016. He worked diligently as the varsity offensive coordinator under previous coach Greg Bearup, helping to build a strong offensive lineup.
Last season, the Colonie football team achieved a respectable 5-5 record, marking their highest win total since 2013. Although they missed out on the Class AA playoffs, the progress being made is evident and attributed to the hard work put in by both the players and coaching staff.
A Role of a Lifetime
LaPoint’s feelings about stepping into the head coach role are a mix of excitement and humility. He has long dreamt of this moment and is thrilled to have the chance to lead his former team. Athletic Director Bill Roemer is equally enthusiastic, believing that LaPoint will bring the stability the coaching position desperately needs.
Roemer envisions LaPoint as a long-term commitment to the program, expecting him to coach for at least the next decade. Given that Colonie’s football history has been a struggle since their memorable 2006 Section II Class AA Super Bowl appearance, LaPoint’s arrival might just signal a turning point.
The Road Ahead
In the past 18 years, Colonie has recorded a 55-105 overall record, with only two winning seasons to boast. LaPoint acknowledges the challenge ahead. The ultimate goal? To restore competitiveness and aim for those coveted playoff spots. The challenges of Class AA are daunting as numerous teams vie for a limited number of playoff positions.
Star Player on the Rise
One exciting aspect of LaPoint’s coaching journey will be working with quarterback Steven Thomas. After transferring from CBA, Thomas burst onto the scene last season, taking over as the starting QB by the third game. In his first season, he threw for 1,645 yards, completed 107 passes, and scored an impressive 14 touchdowns, plus eight more rushing. LaPoint is excited to tap into Thomas’s potential and help him develop further.
Building a Winning Team
Roemer has pointed out that while the returning players show promising skill, especially in key positions, there is a pressing need to fortify the team’s frontline. This suggests that LaPoint has his work cut out for him as he looks to build a cohesive unit that can achieve more than just an average season.
As LaPoint assembles his coaching staff, he hasn’t yet decided whether to continue serving as offensive coordinator. He appreciates the groundwork laid by Bearup and aims to take the program to greater heights.
Looking to the Future
With a fresh vision and a deep-rooted passion for the game, Jon LaPoint is ready to lead Colonie football into a new era. With player development, strategic coaching, and community support, there’s a buzz in the air that this might be the start of something special for Colonie High School’s football program.
The fans, alumni, and community are eager to see how LaPoint can take this team forward, hoping to inspire young athletes to dream big and reach for the stars!
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Additional Resources
- Times Union: Jon LaPoint Named Colonie Football Coach
- Wikipedia: Colonie, New York
- Times Union: High School Football
- Google Search: Colonie High School Football
- Times Union: High School Sports
- Google Scholar: Jon LaPoint Football
- Times Union: Building a Winning High School Football Coach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Times Union: CBA Football Tributes
- Google News: Steven Thomas Quarterback