‘Thrilled to be back.’ Ramapo alum officially approved as new football coach

Nick Guttuso is fond of the Ramapo football expression “As One,” and now he’s the one in charge.

The 38-year-old Ramapo alum was approved as the new Green Raiders head football coach late Thursday night by the Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education.

“This is home,” Guttuso said early Friday morning. “I played under Mike Miello and Drew Gibbs, and Ramapo football had a huge impact on how I developed as a young person and reinforced the values I learned at home. I believe in the program. I know what it’s done for me and my friends. I am thrilled to be back.”

Guttuso was also an assistant coach under Gibbs for 13 seasons before taking over as head coach at Demarest in 2022. Guttuso expected to have his first meeting with the players Friday.

“My message to them is this is my dream job,” Guttuso said.“It’s a dream opportunity for me as an alum to get a chance to come back and do this. I am going to work extremely hard every day to make sure that we are prepared, organized and ready to go.”

Northern Valley Demarest head coach Nick Guttuso on the field for the North team practice at St. Joseph’s Regional on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. The Bergen County North vs. South football game returns on Saturday.

Gibbs’ sudden death in 2021, just before a playoff game, is still being mourned in the North Jersey football community. Ramapo turned to Mike DeFazio to lead the program, and he guided them to the Group 4 state final last fall.

DeFazio announced his departure in January for reasons never made public. It sparked a long search. In hiring Guttuso, it restores a connection to Gibbs and members of his previous staff.

“Coach Gibbs had a profound impact on my life and gave me my first shot at coaching,” Guttuso said. “He was a mentor and a friend. I miss him every day. I am just trying to do all the things…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/thrilled-back-ramapo-alum-officially-141550310.html

Author : The Bergen Record

Publish date : 2024-03-01 14:15:50

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