This school year, CHS gained a new Athletic Director (A.D.), Mr. Pelligrino LaSala who is ambitious to take on the challenge, and happy his dream has now become a reality.
After Mr. Ron Weisenstein (Colonia High’s previous A.D) , transferred to a job downtown, Colonia High was in search of a new A.D. LaSala had been a part of the CHS community for well over 20 years, between teaching and coaching; he had done it all. Aside from that, Coach LaSala has made a huge effect on the CHS Football Team. LaSala is known as a passionate football coach, who not only cared about the game but his boys as well.
“He deserves A.D,” expressed right guard/right end Nick Haderthauer. “He has coached well over 25 years; now all that hard work paid off.”
Going from being Head Football Coach to A.D. has brought many new responsibilities to LaSala’s plate. Now, instead of being in charge of one sport, he’s responsible for all 24 offered at CHS. That means attending all of the sports games, and overseeing the coaches of these sports.
“Becoming A.D. has always been a dream of mine, even though I will miss coaching. One thing I do to make sure I get all my work done is budgeting my time correctly,” pronounced LaSala.
Being appointed A.D is an honor to Coach LaSala, and when asked why he thinks he was chosen for this job, he simply answered: “I’ve been a part of the CHS family for a long time. I’ve held numerous positions at CHS, and now I’m the A.D. They know I will do my best not only to get my job done, but to also motivate the kids at this school.”
Last year, Coach LaSala led not only the Varsity Football Team to a 9-2 record, but also helped lead the Varsity Softball Team to a 12-2 record. He pushed his players to exceed their expectations of themselves. He made every one of his players “strive for the gold” and never let good be good enough. Whether it was having to wake up for an early practice, or practice for hours in the beating sun, LaSala was always there for his kids.
“Practices aren’t the same without him around—he’s definitely missed,” mentioned Alex Payne, Right Tackle. “He brought a lot of success to our football team and made an impact on us as a whole.”
It’s clear that LaSala made an impact on the lives of the kids he coached. He continues to motivate his kids to strive for greatness and success.
“I want to thank Coach LaSala,” added Nick Haderthauer, “For not only being a mentor to me, but making me a better person all together-on and off the field.”
Please follow Coach LaSala’s Twitter page for all the up to-date sports scores and inspirational quotes @coloniahssports.
