Rensselaer County PE Teacher Named New York Coach of the Year

Local PE Teacher Named New York Coach of the Year

We always recognize our local teachers who shape and mentor our young children through hard work, commitment, and unselfish dedication.

Congratulations to a local PE teacher who was recently awarded the prestigious honor of New York State Coach of the Year by the National High School Strength Coaches Association.

“Honestly, it’s one of those surreal moments,” he said. “It’s not why we do this work but to get this award, it puts value in what we’re doing at Columbia High School. The kids are what drive me.” Mr. Libardi

This award is given annually to a High School Strength and Conditioning Coach to recognize his or her coaching achievements and passion for the profession.

Tom Libardi, the Columbia High School Physical Education Teacher and Strength and Conditioning Coach, was named New York State Coach of the Year. Photo: East Greenbush CSD.

Tom Libardi from Columbia High School

According to a press release by the school district, Tom Libardi, a Columbia High School Physical Education Teacher and Strength and Conditioning Coach, was named New York State Coach of the Year in the Northeast Region by the National High School Strength Coaches Association on Wednesday.

The Northeast region covers Maine to Virginia.

Mr. Libardi coaches physical education classes and oversees the weight room, where as many as 100 students use it after school to improve their health and fitness.

Honored to Receive this Award

As you can imagine, Libardi was honored by the achievement but credited the students for being his motivating factor each day.

“Honestly, it’s one of those surreal moments,” he said. “It’s not why we do this work but to get this award; it puts value in what we’re doing at Columbia High School. The kids are what drive me,” Libardi added.

According to the press release from the East Greenbush CSD, Mr. Libardi hopes to continue improving the weight room and create a mentorship program for Howard L. Goff Middle School students.

“You can literally change someone’s life in this room,” he said, noting the impact of fitness on social and emotional wellness.

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Source: Rensselaer County PE Teacher Named New York Coach of the Year