Coach Frank Pazzaglia Announces His Retirement
By: Eric Deabill
Updated: October 23, 2012
Lackawanna County- Mid-Valley Coach Frank Pazzaglia announced he plans to retire at the end of this season.
After more than 340 wins and a State AA State Championship in 1992, Five Eastern Conference Championships and 12 Big Eleven Championships... Legendary Coach Frank Pazzaglia is getting ready to call it quits.
"I just felt the time was right and this will be my 50th year coaching. I coached a year in new jersey, six at little Blakeley High School, then at Valley View and then Mid Valley. Its been a great experience..." said Frank Pazzaglia, Mid Valley Coach .
At 71-years-old Pazzaglia, a man known for his competitive spirit and love of the game says he feels fine... But wants to spend more time with his family and especially his grand kids.
"I plan to go to different schools, watch practices, watch track events, watch baseball. I have grandsons playing tons of basketball. I'm going to be busy." added Pazzaglia
Over the years, Pazzaglia has had a lot of big moments but he says none are more important than the players he's helped.
His current players were shocked to hear he's retiring.
"I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. He was like superman. I thought he was going to be here forever."
said Matthew Tanner, Mid Valley Senior
Its just going to keep our emotions high for the rest of the season. Its gonna be tough. We love the guy to death." added Ronny Tomasetti
Players say Pazzaglia always gave them 110-percent.
I think just the fact that he cares for us more than himself and he tells us everyday when he leaves, he wants to leave with his integrity." said Chris Rebar, Mid Valley Senior
Earlier this year, Pazzaglia was honored with a monument at Valley View Stadium but for him It comes down to a love for the game.
"I guess every coach has a little bit of a boy in him. I just don't think they outgrow that little bit of a boy in them." said Pazzaglia
After more than 340 wins and a State AA State Championship in 1992, Five Eastern Conference Championships and 12 Big Eleven Championships... Legendary Coach Frank Pazzaglia is getting ready to call it quits.
"I just felt the time was right and this will be my 50th year coaching. I coached a year in new jersey, six at little Blakeley High School, then at Valley View and then Mid Valley. Its been a great experience..." said Frank Pazzaglia, Mid Valley Coach .
At 71-years-old Pazzaglia, a man known for his competitive spirit and love of the game says he feels fine... But wants to spend more time with his family and especially his grand kids.
"I plan to go to different schools, watch practices, watch track events, watch baseball. I have grandsons playing tons of basketball. I'm going to be busy." added Pazzaglia
Over the years, Pazzaglia has had a lot of big moments but he says none are more important than the players he's helped.
His current players were shocked to hear he's retiring.
"I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. He was like superman. I thought he was going to be here forever."
said Matthew Tanner, Mid Valley Senior
Its just going to keep our emotions high for the rest of the season. Its gonna be tough. We love the guy to death." added Ronny Tomasetti
Players say Pazzaglia always gave them 110-percent.
I think just the fact that he cares for us more than himself and he tells us everyday when he leaves, he wants to leave with his integrity." said Chris Rebar, Mid Valley Senior
Earlier this year, Pazzaglia was honored with a monument at Valley View Stadium but for him It comes down to a love for the game.
"I guess every coach has a little bit of a boy in him. I just don't think they outgrow that little bit of a boy in them." said Pazzaglia
