Ed Townsend | Democrat Retiring girls’ and boys’ track and field coaches Joe and Missy Iatauro, center and right, were honored June 5 at the Tri-Valley Spring Athletic Awards assembly. School athletic director Derek Adams, left, was the MC for the evening’s events.

The I's have it
at Tri-Valley

Story by Ed Townsend
GRAHAMSVILLE — June 11, 2013 — Accolades, high praise and best wishes to Joe and Missy Iatauro in their retirement highlighted the Tri-Valley Spring Athletic Awards assembly held June 5 in the high school’s Bernstein Auditorium.
In opening remarks by athletic director Derek Adams, he noted that "this will be the last for legendary coaches Joe and Missy Iatauro who have completed their 39th and 34th years of consecutive seasons coached."
Adams stressed the fact that the Iatauros are "true blue" and "their dedication and commitment is unmatched – only paralleled by their rapport with the student athletes and the rigor of their programs.
"While we wish them luck and tell them to 'shoot for the stars,’ we already know that they won't be landing in Woodbourne, but instead will retire to Lake Arrowhead in Waleska, Georgia," Adams said.
Adams added that "on my behalf as well as the thousands of students who have served on your teams, thank you for making it your life passion to positively affect young people.
“Your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of Tri-Valley alumni, staff and community members for generations to come."
Over the years, the retiring girls’ and boys’ track and field/cross country coaches have accumulated a slew of incredible statistics. For Joe, they include 36 league division championships, 17 Section IX championships, one regional championship and one Eastern State championship.
His won-loss records are: 281-43 (cross country); 31-7 (indoor track) and 161-21 (outdoor track and field).
Missy won 62 league/division titles, 50 Section IX titles and six state titles. Her overall won-lost records are: 286-32 (cross country); 36-2 (indoor track) and 177-2 (outdoor track and field).
Additional best wishes and thanks came from student athletes and the present coaching staff. Joe and Missy were each presented with a Most Valuable Coach Award which states their years of service and includes an engraving of track events.
Prior to the introduction of all spring coaches, team members and individual awards, Adams gave praise and thanked student athletes and coaches for their hard work.
He noted that this year was the school's second year running the Varsity Athletic Club which promoted and supported Tri-Valley athletics.
Recognition by the coaches and Adams, was given to Robert Hayes and his field maintenance students.
"Our athletic fields are among the best in Section IX and that recognition is owed Mr. Hayes, his students and the collaborative effort with our buildings and grounds department."
Individual varsity awards were as follows:

FIELD MANAGEMENT
Rookie of the Year - Michael Johnson
MVP - Mared Ratner
MIP - Kyle Henderson

BASEBALL
MVP - Rodney Jester
MIP - Andrew Exner
Outstanding Offense - Michael Foster
Outstanding Pitcher - Alex Brown

BOYS’ GOLF
MVP - Dion Lynch
MIP - Kyle Rogers
Coach’s Award - Mark Garigliano

BOYS’ TENNIS
MVP - Sean Kennedy
MIP - Andrew Raymond

BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD
MVP - Aidan Woolsey

GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD
MVP - Mareena DiMilia
MVP - Autumn Bender

SOFTBALL
MVP Offense - Ashley Exner
MVP Defense - Emily DiToro
MIP - Kayla Yager
Coach’s Award - Mikayla Clearwater