NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle Head Football Coach Lou DeRienzo looked drained after a six hour meeting with school officials and lawyers representing the District at City Hall.
“I have no idea,” said Coach D when asked by reporters as he left City Hall whether he would be coaching in the New York State AA Championship Game in Syracuse on Sunday.
New Rochelle High School meets McQuaid Jesuit High School on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Carrier Dome.
“We are very happy the District agreed to meet with us today,” said DeRienzo’s attorney. “We’ve been waiting to have a meeting with the District so Coach DeRienzo could speak with them. There have been some developments but I’m not at liberty to share them right now.”
The New Rochelle Board of Education announced this afternoon a Special Executive Session meeting to be held at 8 p.m. tonight at City Hall.
In the parking lot, DeRienzo spoke exclusively with Talk of the Sound. “it’s been a long day,” the Coach said.
UPDATE:
Statement from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Laura Feijóo:
The District was pleased to have an opportunity to speak with Coach DiRienzo today. Staff members involved in such situations are always given an opportunity to be heard after the relevant facts are gathered, and this current investigation is no different.
The Board has called a previously unscheduled meeting (“special meeting”) for this evening and will be briefed in executive session on today’s meeting with Coach DiRienzo. There will be no public comment from the district and board members following the meeting as is the Board’s usual practice when a special meeting is called. The Board needs time to deliberate on today’s meeting and determine appropriate next steps.
The District understands the community is eager for resolution given that the timing of this investigation aligns with the football team’s impressive playoff run. We appreciate Coach DiRienzo’s impact on this team. We admire the hard work of our outstanding student athletes and assistant coaches, and celebrate their achievements and dedication. We will continue to support and cheer for the Huguenots as they continue their quest for a state championship.
We love you Coach D and stand behind you all the way! You have positively impacted countless people. It is painful to see this happening.
Carolyn Paradiso
Teacher
Former NR football parent
Friend