Head Football Coach Mario Valentini
Mario Valentini begins his 23rd year as Head Coach of Mount St. Michael Academy. The 1969 graduate of the Mount played QB for legendary coach Howie Smith. Coach Valentini started his coaching career in 1974 at Westchester Community College where he coached the Receivers and QB's for five years.
Valentini joined the Mount staff in 1979 as an assistant to Joe Tricario Sr. where he coached the defensive backs and served as Defensive Coordinator. Coach Valentini became only the seventh Head Coach in Mount St. Michael history in 1984 and has a record of 147-68-1. Under Coach Valentini's guidance the Mount has won three CHSFL City Championships in 1992, '96 and '97 as well as an appearance in the 1986 finals. " Valentini gives credit to all his coaches and the outstanding athletes we have had the opportunity to coach for all the success the Mount football program has achieved". Mr. Valentini also serves as the schools Athletic Director and Department Chairman of Physical Education.
Offensive and Defensive Line Coach Bernard Ryan
Bernard Ryan is in his nineteenth season as a member of the Mount Football Staff. Ryan is the current offensive and defensive line coach and coordinates the Mountaineer defense.
Ryan is a graduate of Frankline and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in May, 1987. While at F&M, Ryan was a 4-year letter winner at tight end. During his time at F&M, the Diplomats won two Centennial Conference Championships, participated in their first post-season bowl game and captured the coveted Conestoga Wagon Trophy all four years.
Ryan and his wife, SueAnn, are the proud parents of two boy, five-year old Finnian and three-year old Shayne.
Defensive Back and Halfback Coach Carmine Luongo
Carmine Luongo enters his ninth season as a member of the MSM football staff and second season as the varsity defensive backs and halfback coach. Luongo also works with the punt and kickoff returners. He served as J.V. assistant coach under Rob McConaghy from 1998 to 2001 and was the J.V. head coach for the 2002 and 2003 seasons.
Luongo received his Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Cortland, where he was also a member of the Red Dragon football team and teammate of assistant coach Rob McConaghy. After his playing days, Luongo began his coaching career as the J.V. running backs coach at SUNY Cortland.
Luongo is a member of the MSM Physical Education Department and also serves as the J.V. lacrosse coach.
Junior Varsity Head Coach Nchendia Tajong
Nchendia Tajong is in his fifth season as a member of the Mountaineer coaching staff and second season as the J.V. Head coach. He also assists the Varsity special teams on game day.
Tajong was a four year letterman and three year starter at halfback and slot receiver for the University of Rhode Island. He served as captain in his senior season for the Rams.
Tajong graduated from the Mount in 1998. As a senior he earned All City and All State honors as well as being named the Daily News Player of the Year for New York City. He was also a member of the back to back CHSFL Championship teams in 1996 and 1997 with currenc J.V. assistants David Chi and Michael Hannon. He played under current Varsity coaches Mario Valentini, Bernard Ryan and Rob McConaghy.
Tajong, born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx, has three brothers and still resides in the Bronx.
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