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The New Rochelle High School varsity football team is heading to the state final.
This much we know.
What we don’t know is if the Huguenots will be playing in Syracuse with longtime head coach Lou DiRienzo on the sideline after he was “reassigned” for an incident reportedly involving a student.
The New Rochelle School District announced on Wednesday, Nov. 13 that the popular coach was being unexpectedly removed from the team, saying that DiRienzo had been “reassigned from his teaching and coaching responsibilities.”
A rally for “Coach D” was held on Friday, Nov. 22, the day before the Huguenots dispatched Shenendehowa 24-17 in the Class AA semifinal.
District officials met with DiRienzo for the first time on Monday, Nov. 25, though the coach has said that he will not speak publicly until the proceedings play out.
The New Rochelle Board of Education also called a special meeting for 8 p.m. on Monday night at the Board of Education Offices.
"The Board has called a previously unscheduled 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," district officials said.
New Rochelle will take on McQuaid Jesuit at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.
"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," Schools Superintendent Laura Feijóo said in a statement issued late Monday afternoon. "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."
"I would like to inform you that while we are working to complete the investigation into Coach DiRienzo expeditiously, we recognize that it will not be completed in time for him to be at the game on Saturday. This remains a top priority for our district and we will keep you informed.”
DiRienzo’s “reassignment” reportedly involves a student, who happens to be a relative, who was impaired at school. The coach reportedly eschewed protocol and contacted her father directly. It is unclear what happened to the student.
In a statement, the district noted that "rescheduling students' after-school activities so teachers can attend an unproductive protest does not serve our children. Nonetheless, we look forward to working with FUSE on addressing the challenges and opportunities of students, staff, and families in our district.
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