Columbia High School coach named New York State Coach of the Year

EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Tom Libardi, a Columbia High School physical education teacher and strength and conditioning coach, was named New York State Coach of the Year in the Northeast Region by the National High School Strength Coaches Association.

Libardi coaches physical education classes before overseeing the weight and wellness rooms from 2:15 to 5:15 p.m. daily. The East Greenbush Central School District said about 75 to 100 students use the weight room after school.

“Honestly, it’s one of those surreal moments,” Libardi said. “It’s not why we do this work but to get this award, it puts value in what we’re doing at Columbia High School. The kids are what drive me.”

Libardi has worked over the past few years to improve the high school’s weight room and physical education classes, including ading a new Fit for Life class to the school’s curriculum with the help of Physical Education Department Chair Chris Hosley and Director of Athletics Ryan Jones. Fit for Life is based in cardiovascular strength and endurance training for students who don’t like traditional physical education classes.

“I couldn’t do this without my co-workers, the administrators, and of course the students,” said Libardi. “And a special thanks to my wife who is so supportive of my work.”

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