On Wednesday, March 12, Len Cusumano held a meeting with the returning members of the Pascack Valley Football Team. It was there that, after nine years, he announced his resignation as Head Football Coach.
After a head coaching career with the team spanning nearly a decade, in addition to being an assistant coach years prior, Cusumano spoke about how it was not an easy decision to step down.
“Ultimately, life happens, and you have to readjust your priorities,” Cusumano said. “I have two little guys at home, [and] my wife has a career… There’s only so many hours in a day for you to decide what you can handle. It wasn’t easy for me, it wasn’t an easy decision at all, but I have to do what’s best for me in my life right now, and I’m at peace with the decision.”
In his nine seasons leading PV Football, Cusumano’s team had a record of 46-42 with six playoff appearances, including a sectional title this past year.
“That first win [this season] against Rancocas Valley at the Battle of the Beach was one of the most significant wins of the last nine years for us, along with beating OT for [this season’s] league championship,” the former Pascack Valley head football coach said.
“We haven’t had our way against them [Old Tappan] for a while, so the fact that we were able to get that win was gratifying for a lot of reasons. And then beating River Dell in the Sectional Final was obviously really awesome,” Cusumano said.
Cusamano said there was not a single moment that sticks out to him among the rest of those throughout his time with the team. In fact, he recounted games and players from each season, dating back to his first in 2016.
“Our first win [during my career as head coach] came back in 2016 against Demarest. We came out of the gate 0-5 that year… We were in a close game with Demarest at the half, and we ended up pulling out a 48-42 win in a wild game,” Cusumano said.
During his story, he recalled various players from that team and their contributions to the team– both as players and leaders.
“After that we felt like we could really settle in after a rocky start.”
With each season he discussed, Cusumano named specific players from each senior class, citing them as the backbones of their given teams.
Cusumano also praised the Pascack Valley community for their support of the program.
“We’ve had full support from our administration, from Mr. Puccio to everybody, when it comes to our football team,” he said. “From the players, to the coaches, and the communities of Hillsdale and River Vale, they have been outstanding, and we’re fortunate to have the people and support we have.”
Coach Cusumano may no longer be the football coach at Valley, but he most certainly will still be a coach at the younger levels. As the father of two sons, it won’t be long until Cusumano is back on the sidelines: now coaching his kids.
“I’ll be involved in youth sports and get involved with my little guys,” Cusumano said. “Baseball, basketball, soccer, all that stuff…Getting heavily involved in that is something I’m looking forward to.”
