Pascack Valley has always been in the back of new PV Athletic Director and Physical Education and Health Supervisor Joseph’s Spafford’s mind: whether it was coaching baseball or football at Ramapo against PV or playing against Valley when he was a Golden Knight at Northern Valley Old Tappan High School.

“Pascack Valley was always one of those schools that I had my eye on when I wanted to move up to an athletic director [position],” Spafford said. “It is one of the epitome[s] of high school athletics across the state.”

Spafford originally was a history teacher at Ramapo High School, coaching both baseball and football. After 16 years there, he transitioned into the role he always desired in Palisades Park: Athletic Director. His goal was always aimed at obtaining a role similar to an athletic director.

“I’ve known [Shawn] Buchanan for 10-12 years, so when he decided he wanted to go back to the classroom, I gave [Valley] a call,” Spafford said.

With sports being a big part of Spafford’s childhood and much of his life, as he even played a year of football at the University of Albany, his original goal was to be a teacher and a coach. Spafford modeled the way he wanted to live and act in his life after that of Old Tappan Head Football Coach Brian Dunn. The many coaches and Athletic Directors he has created relationships with have guided him to his decision to become an Athletic Director.

Even after only being the Athletic Director for a few short months, Spafford already realizes the impact Valley students have and the energy Pascack Valley has.

“This place is electric. [Even over] the summer, there were student athletes walking the halls, introducing themselves,” Spafford said. “It was really engaging and [created] a sense of community here. The student athletes here and the staff have [welcomed me with open arms].”

Despite attending NVOT as a student and a player and coaching at Ramapo, Spafford is “PV all the way.”

Spafford has always known of the PV culture but has not experienced it firsthand until now.

“It’s been tremendous,” Spafford said when talking about the energy PV brings.