Of course, Joe Lapi wishes the circumstances were different. But he’s honored to take over as Bergenfield’s new head football coach.
Lapi, 29, was approved by the district’s Board of Education on June 30 replacing beloved coach Rob Violante, who was killed in a tragic car accident on May 14.
“I am so thankful to Rob Violante for mentoring me and I am thankful to [Bergenfield Principal] Rob Ragasa and [Superintendent] Dr. [Chris] Tully and [athletic director] Darren Massey for the opportunity here,” Lapi said. “They have shown their trust and belief in me. I am forever grateful to all of them.”
“Coach Lapi is the perfect person to connect the past and present of this program with the future,” Tully said in a press release announcing the hire. “It is a gratifying moment to watch one of our former students grow to become a valued teacher and now head coach of his alma mater.”
Lapi is Bergenfield native and alumnus who has been on the Bears staff since 2020 serving in a variety of roles under Violante, including line coach and offensive playcaller. He played at Bergenfield and at Sacred Heart University, where he got his degree in TV and digital media.
“Coach Lapi is a high-energy guy whose deep connections to our current players, along with his knowledge and passion for the game, elevated him to the top of the list of candidates to take the reins of this program,” Bergenfield athletic director Darren Massey said.
Lapi inherits a program that finished 2-8 last season and still has Violante’s fingerprints all over it. Lapi recognizes that the healing and grief process will take time and not always be a straight line.
“He really became one of my dear friends,” Lapi said. “I was around him so much and I think the kids understand that there is somebody who is now leading the program that has worn…
Source link : https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2025/07/01/bergenfield-nj-football-new-coach-rob-violante-death/84417076007/
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Publish date : 2025-07-01 17:52:00
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