New coach at Nanuet
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- April
- 10
Nanuet AD Frank Mazzuca confirmed today that the school board has approved Carlos Fidalgo as the new girls varsity basketball coach. Fidalgo is a social studies teacher in the district and coached JV boys basketball and JV baseball.
Outgoing coach Brian Metcalf vouched for him, calling him a friend and someone who really cares about the student athletes. He’ll have, Metcalf said, “years of success.”
Fidalgo is entering a great situation for a first-year coach. Nanuet was a top 10 team this season despite the presence of one senior. It was probably the best team not to make the County Center, losing in quarters to Irvington. Barring a big upset I don’t see a way it doesn’t make semis this year. Point guard Lauren Kahn and center/forward K.C. Jentzen are stars, and Nikki Sapanaro emerged as a solid third option. And nemesis Albertus Magnus is out of Class B to boot. Fidalgo could look very good very fast.
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on Thursday, April 10th, 2008 at 11:59 am by Jake Thomases.
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Josh Thomson has done some of everything since joining The Journal News in March 2003. He began working for the Gannett weeklies during the winter of 2002 as a freelance writer. He joined the daily staff soon after and has since covered various high school and pro sports. Away from sportswriting, Josh lives in Westchester and spends his free time either with his fiancee, Sarah, or expertly managing his various championship-winning fantasy sports teams. He's visited 21 major-league baseball stadiums and insists that Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are the best by far. Josh graduated from Carmel High School in 1998, then went to Boston University, where, in 2002, he received a degree in communications with a minor in history.
WOW…what a dissapointment. I am not one of the bloggers with negative comments regarding the previous coach or the former JV coach. But this is a shock. Those of you who know him know what I mean. Someone mentioned that this must have been a raffle and I agree. No way any thought was put into this. Good Luck girls..you will need it!
OMG!!! What were they thinking??? Can't teach either! My kid is an A student and he believes he is smarter than him. I agree Rocket sad day!
Replace Fire Isah with Fire Frank!
Carlos Fidalgo??? I believe he may have been rejected from CYO coaching because he was not qualified to even plan a practice or find the visiting gyms. The word "friend" was used above. I did not think he had any but maybe someone in a high place. This is not the best choice for the players.
Stop!!
You guys all sound like LOSERS!!! Give the guy a chance. This is Class B High School GIRLS Basketball.
The job is:
25 percent X's and O's
25 percent Practice (What is done daily in practice)
50 percent TALENT
There is a lot more involved in coaching than JoJo alludes to. Talent is important no doubt but to make that talent work you need coaching skills. Additionally Girls basketball is totally different than the Boys side. I think the new coach should be given some time and if he dedicates himself he can learn the X's and O's, the personal skills required are a lot tougher to acquire. But unfortunately this has nothing to do with coaching skills. This is an example of a union employee getting a job over more qualified applicants. It has nothing to do with the girls, the parents, the quality of coaching or basketball. All Nanuet parents should be outraged on two fronts. One that an inexperienced hiring like this would never occur on the boys side. Secondly, where else in the District would an inexperienced hire like this happen ? Music, Art, Audio-Video, Football, I don't think so. Unfortunately the girls are the losers here but maybe Nanuet as well. I wonder how many kids will transfer to Albertus and people will be blaming Albertus for recruiting. The families want what is best for the kids, academically, socially, religiously and athletically. A large factor in athletics is the coaching. The blame should really lie with Nanuet.
i totally agree with JoJo. stop complaining and give the guy a chance. the nanuet girls are good enough to win regardless of the coaching situation.
Figures!!! Like I have said time and time again, the Nanuet AD could give a crap about girls basketball and it SHOWS. He had a golden opportunity to hire a coach with experience not another wannabe. If he really cares then he NEEDS to hire an Assistant Coach that knows what he is doing.
JoJo…sorry you are right..we will win 50% of the games. The ones that have to do with TALENT. Out of luck with the practice and X and O stuff. I assume you are an expert on Class B basketball. Why didn't you apply for the job? Print out these blogs and wait till next season. Then pull them out when this amateur coach makes his mess…and say..wow I am the loser.
JoJo and On Vacation
I don't think you would be so accepting if your daughter was in the running to be on the team. Talent is important but coaching at the HS level is very important as well.
Fan,
of course coaching is important. but isn't it also important to teach the kids that everyone deserves a chance? that you shouldn't prejudge anyone? and, most importantly, that even if your coach isn't as good as pat summit, that you stand by him/her and show support and respect? there are many lessons to be learned in high school sports…and it seems to me that it is the parents who need them the most.
brittany shields from haldane had 5 coaches in 6 years and all that team did was win.
Nanuet Fan,
I actually coach in Westchester and wouldn't be bothered to coach in Nanuet. The parents are a joke!!!
I know plenty about class 'B' Girls Basketball, enough to know that a PARENT coaching is never a good idea!!!
Give the new coach a chance, he has coached Basketball at the MS level and is part of the Nanuet community.
*Nanuet BBall fan*
The guy coached boys Modified Hoops, does that count for nothing? And its also not easy to get coaches who are not teachers. Not many jobs allow you to be available at 3pm daily.
Look at Haldane, a half dozen coaches in last decade and nothing but WINNING.
GIVE THE GUY A CHANCE
The initial story about this guy's background was wrong. I know of him personally and have coached against him over the years. He's been coaching basketball to close to 12 years. He's done the last 7 or so at the jv level in boys.
I am "amazed" at the level of ignorance on this blog. People feel entitled to slander people without thinking anything of it. Of course everyone hides behind the anonymity of the blog. Parents have to get over it and any other idiot who responds the way they have allow their comments to speak volumes about their own intelligence.
The Journal News has a responsibility to monitor the postings and make sure they adhere to the terms of use they stipulate.
Hello All
My name is Michael Henderson and I am the girls varsity soccer coach at Nanuet. I have heard about these blog for a long time, and I, as a social studies teacher encourage freedom of speech, it what makes our country what it is. With that said please read open – mindedly.
There are several lessons my parents have passed onto me and when my father passed away two years ago I vowed to not sweat the small and try to live my live as best I can. So that is why I am writing this. I want all of you to know I call coach Metcalf, Coach Lynch, Coach Kahn, Coach Fidalgo and Mr. Mazzuca friends and I respect each of them. I have learned many lessons from all of them. So I would hope we could stop slandering them on this blog. I would also hope that we can stop talking about parents in Nanuet in this blog beacuse I have found them to be very supportive. I respect each and everyone of them for their support, encouragement and time. Because if it weren't for their support we would not have athletic teams.
I want you all to know that I have coached many of the girls who have played basketball in Nanuet, yes they are outstanding basketball players, but they are also good at lacrosse, soccer, softball, track and all are gifted students. BUT MOST OF ALL THEY ARE AMAZING PEOPLE AND ARE PLEASEURE TO BE AROUND. I think that is the most important thing to remember and I would hope that none of the girls will have to know what is being said about their coaches and parents who care about them so much.
I really appreciate you reading this entry and understand I am not critizing anyone for their beliefs or decisions. I just want everyone to support high school athletes, and hopefully we can see some good games and events from all.
THANK YOU – GO NANUET GOLDEN KNIGHTS!!!
Ok Ok nice stuff here. However while the players may read this stuff, they are often the brunt of public critisim by amateur coaches. The blogs are just opinions and at times just humerous. The players are often chastized and embarrassed and humiliated by coaches such as this one. This guy has had chances at has left many scars on children's egos and self esteem. You are right he has coached at the modifeied level and many of those he coached have had negative feelings for team sports after he was done with them. I agree giving a guy with little experience a shot if he is at least a person who builds charcter. But this coach is not one of them. Coaches like Henderson, Carbone,Rogers,Patrikis and Masterson are examples of good coaches with good qualities in building character. Fidalgo has experience in breaking down character.
My son (a very good player)quit basketball after one season with him. Not because of lack of playing time or BB related issues. "Basketball just wasn't fun anymore with him as the coach Dad" Sad words from a great kid.
Wow what a statement from 'another parent.' This is a great guy getting hammered even before he's coached a single game. How pathetic. For every one of these "he destroyed my son's love of the game" comments, every coach out there that reads this blog, of which I'm one, realize how correct we are in the decisions we make. In other words perhaps I should translate the above comment for the lay person. Coaches go out on the limb and take on positions that are lose/lose. Either the kids win games because they are Mommy and Daddy's little all star or the coach lost the game because he/she doesn't know what they are doing. They get paid a pittance and have to deal with parents that shelter their kids all their lives never having let their kids maintain personal accountability. Sometimes junior isn't any good when he reaches a certain age. Sometimes junior gets outworked by someone else. Just because little junior was an allstar for daddy in aau doesn't translate when the games gets more complicated. Having coached against Nanuet teams for some years now I know to expect prepared kids who work their tails off. This guy has been an integral part of that for many years.
Its impossible to get kids equal playing time and in fact kids don't deserve equal playing time. Some kids are better than others and as you get higher up the high school ladder getting "junior" equal time is not the prime concern. Learning happens in the practice gym, preparation occurs there also. Maybe "another parent's" kid should have worked harder. Maybe he wasn't athletic enough to successfully compete with the other kids. Maybe he didn't know what he was doing in terms of plays, etc. So Fidalgo should take the hit for this kid, or kids like that. Coaches should simply put more time and thought into the decision to keep a marginal kid on the team if they feel what they would get in the end is simply a comment from people like "another parent." Go ask college coaches what kinds of kids they avoid like the plague and they'll tell you they avoid, regardless of skill, the kids with parents that hover their kids even in college. Grow up.
Nanuet made a great choice. Over time this guy will bring the same competitiveness and instruction that made him a winner on the boy's side for so many years.
I can't wait for the next ignorant comment or person to respond to this. Its actually fun to see what ignorant person will out do the previous ignorant person.
Amazed- Is this his mother writing this?? Must be!! That was an ignorant e mail " The lay person"- like you are a pro?? For a few thousand dollars more you do the coaching thing in sports you nothing about like union overtime. As mentioned above my son started and was a very valuable player and hard worker and talented and still wanted to quit because of this guys attitude. The varsity coach talked him back on and all was fine. So until you come to a practice or sit on the bench with him…stop protecting your son.
I was alerted to this blog and will simply say that I agree with Parent and Another parent.
Maybe he can change and should be given a chance BUT there is truth in the comments.
Amazed unless you have been at his side the whole time, maybe you should blog else where. PS..what experience is this guy talking about?? 7 years a bridesmaid at best.
If you are bashing the guy because your son said it was "no fun" then MAN UP and post your name!!!
until then, why should we believe you
I do not understand all this back and forth. Does this coach have 12 years of experience or not? Has he had a lot of problems in the past while coaching at Nanuet or not? Those are pretty easy questions to answer and obviously depending on the answers will determine whether he deserves a honeymoon period or not and will determine whether the Nanuet administration made a mistake or not.
Why not hire Coach D from Haldane? He is a proven winner wherever he goes. He took JFK and Haldane to the County Center in his first (and only) year with each team. He is the Larry Brown of Girls Basketball.
I have taken a hiatus from reading these blogs because I get uncomfortable with the personal attacks on players and coaches. That being said, I felt compelled to comment on the dismissive attitude of a blogger when responding to a father's lament about his son quitting basketball. There is a level of emotion and family involvement in high sports that is not easily matched on any other level of athleltic competition. When a high schooler gives his/her all on the court and off by working hard and showing respect to his/her teammates and coaching staff, is it too much to ask for the same of the coaches? When did it become acceptable for a coach to tell a player(s) they "suck, or have no heart?" when did it become acceptable to call out one player and degrade his/her misplay in front of a packed gym? You expect parents to behave a certain way, how about the coaches? Ever listen to a timeout huddle when a coach is being out-coached by the opponent? Respect is a two way street, as is hard work. Kids that generally are well rounded, and have played for a variety of teams under a variety of coaches, can generally adjust to different styles. High school sports should be fun, not turned into a dreaded experience, and when a player leaves, don't be so quick to judge. Take a look, listen to what is going on. Watch the team. I have been watching high school sports on both the boys and girls side for a long time now, say what you want, talent alone does not win games. Bizarre subsitution patterns, not calling a needed timeout, making in game adjustments are all things talent cannot control.
Good job Skippy. Well said. There seems to be a few tough guys like Mike Hoops and Amazed that get off on berating kids. I guarantee they "sucked" as kids and are looking for an outlet that they can't get at work or at the Wed. night pick up games in the over 40 gym time at the elementary school.
Who gets to scream at the coach during practice and games?? Certainly not the AD because that would embarass an adult. But I guess no problem doing that to a 15 year old. We need more Skippys. AND by the way here is my name. How about Hoopsy and Amazed do the same???
heres an idea may be the most astute and enlightened person to ever grace this blog. For once The Bandit is in complete agreement with someone! Coach D is the best out of work coach in Section I. Here's to a bright idea!
I thought the wrestling blogs were tough!
Good luck to Coach Fidaglo with the girls basketball program at Nanuet. I deal with many of the student athletes at Nanuet and know that the young ladies that play basketball are great kids.
As a fellow teacher and coach at Nanuet I see Mr. Figalgo as a true professional that gives his all in whatever venture he takes on. Critics and supporters please understand that these are kids we work with not professional athletes? We do the best we can with what we have to work with. Remember that coaching is about giving the kids a safe environment to learn how the be good people while playing a sport. Again good luck 2009 girls hoop.
Coach Rogers
Wrestling Coach and Fan of NHS Sports!
Stephen McGuire ,
you tool!! Name one girl I knocked on the blog???
My name is Mike Viacente
Miek Hoops,
Take it down a notch, please.
Best Joke:
What do you call an out of work coach who talks to himself on the blog?
Skippy,
Take what down? Is "tool" too hurtful for you?
If I have to explain, you won't get it anyway, so I won't waste my time or yours.
Mike Hoops, (Mike Viacente)
Stop talking about Nanuet and Nanuet Parents. Worry about your job, which I understand is the CUSTODIAN at your High School.
Give us a break with your nonsense BLOGS!
Smokey,
Answer "Mike Hoops"
A small correction: I ran into Carlos Fidalgo today at Nanuet's baseball game and he told me he actually coached JV boys basketball last year, not modified. I changed it in the post.
Not unless Mike Hoops is also the Poo Poo Bandit (or a dozen other names), but you never know.
Wow, you guys have some funny comments (sarcasm)
ha ha
I am a teacher actually, yet if I were a custodian it would be ok. Do Nanuet parents look down at custodians???Is that a job that is beneath Nanuet people?
You live in Nanuet not a truly nice place like Scarsdale, so stop acting like you are better then others.
I thought they only ran coaches out of town!!! Watch out custodians or band directors, uh maybe the cheerleading coach is next! YIKES
Nanuet parents = Little league parents
I beat up on a Mike Viacente in High School and I am a girl. Is that you Mikey?
Rogers…read the blogs..we all CARE about the kids becoming good people and not pros..just don't think he is a guy like you and some of the others that know how to do that.
Hopefully we get a new blog to join soon. Mikey the custodian is making this one boring.
We in Nanuet have nothing agianst custodians Mike..we just expect them to do their jobs and the toliets in your school are a mess!!!
Mike Hoops,
You are a teacher with a lot of time on your hands. Posting blogs during school hours.. I wonder what Scarsdale Administration would think….
All this chidish back and forth is ridiculous and does not accomplish anything. I posted the following a couple of days ago and no one has answered it . It is pretty simple yet that is the crux of the issue….....
I do not understand all this back and forth. Does this coach have 12 years of experience or not? Has he had a lot of problems in the past while coaching at Nanuet or not? Those are pretty easy questions to answer and obviously depending on the answers will determine whether he deserves a honeymoon period or not and will determine whether the Nanuet administration made a mistake or not.
He does not have 12 years experience coaching basketball. He was JV coach last year. He was the Assistant Varisty Coach for 2 years before that. Thats it for basketball experience.
The decision to give him the job was made and we will have to see if he is up to the task.
Whether Nanuet administration made a mistake will be determined in time.
Jojo,
you are a tough guy, what do you do for a living?
I am a teacher, is that below you? Stop making fun of custodians, they are people too. Do your children look down on all blue collar workers?
LOL—
I have a one hour lunch daily, free to do what I choose
???? – I've been coaching against this guy in for over 6 or 7 years at the jv level. The reporter wrote modified coach incorrectly and just last year jv coach incorrectly. When I started coaching in this area he started also. He assisted Masterson for one year and then returned to coach the jv level as he had before a hiatus from the game. As JV he continued to obviously assist the varsity.
Part of this problem with this insane blog is the lack of accurate information. And you would think a reporter would ascertain the complete record of the man prior to printing anything. The initial blurb about Fidalgo was simply incomplete and then that sets off people who think justified in slandering the guy.
This will be my last word on this topic. I'm sure some person will show their bravado and get the last blog word on me, so be it. I'm glad there are some out there who have supported the man and it seems like he has some really good colleagues at Nanuet who said some real nice things.
To the Journal News…this blog is absurd. Your own terms of use are violated and you allow anonymous strangers to slander people. I guess whatever sells papers or ad revenue on websites. The whole area should be weary of these blogs as perfectly reputable individuals with careers in public service can have their characters assassinated.
So to all the bizarre username people out there, go ahead, unleash the ignorant venom you usually unleash on these blogs. I'm done.
Isah Thomas now available. Also, happy to hear amazed is done. he was no fun.
Leave Josh alone.
The coache's experience has nothing to do with his nasty attitude
Amazed
That is not true – 6 – 7 years at JV level – last year was his first year as Head Coach of JV.
Get your facts straight…...
????
How are you a Nanuet personnel expert? How do you know the guy hasn't coached at Nanuet at the JV level so long? How can you possibly say that?
Let's move on everyone
Does it really matter anymore?? The guy is the new coach, with or without 1 year of JV experience. The AD hand picked him regardless of all the other candidates with much more experience. You can all beat your heads into a wall and just wonder why he would pick him, so give the guy a chance. They have a very talented team with at least 5, all sophomores do the AAU thing. If the coach has any smarts he will start the AAU girls, they have played together for years under a very knowledgeable coach. I think after reading all these blogs the new coach will be more careful about his attitude and not lower any of the girl's self esteem as few have stated he has done to the JV boys. Lots of Luck for a winning 2008/09 season.
Well put- who cares. You are right on all points.
Yes He has no experience but has the talent
Yes the AD is cluless as usual
Yes He has a bad attitude but needs to change
Lets move on and pick on someone else. How about the football coach? His teams usually consist of a bunch of players who get into a world of trouble but get Hall Passes as long as they are good players.
???? He has coached in the High School since the Mid 90's.
seriously you people are so annoying. the team has some very strong players and fidalgo is fully capable of keeping the team successful so stop blabbing about how they're going to need all the luck they can get. carlos is the person who should be wishing for luck with all the crazy parents, i dont know how he'll survive. its all politics, the fun in highschool sports is long gone