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St. John Vianney High School is excited to announce the appointment of Greg Penta as its new Head Football Coach. Penta, who grew up around football, brings over 15 years of coaching experience at the high school level. His integrity, faith, and commitment to teaching and coaching young men in a caring and passionate way make him the ideal candidate to move the program forward and build sustained success.
“I am honored to be named the head football coach at St. John Vianney,” said Penta. “SJV has a great mission which I believe in, and I am excited to lead the program in a way that aligns with the values of the school. I look forward to working with our student-athletes and helping them achieve greatness on the field and in life. There are some great athletic programs at SJV, and we aspire to be considered one of them every year.”
Penta’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his commitment to developing better young men and future husbands and fathers. With a focus on discipline, accountability, teamwork, and respect, he seeks to instill the values that will allow players to succeed both in their athletic careers and in their personal lives.
“We are thrilled to welcome Greg to St. John Vianney as our new Head Football Coach,” said Steven DiMezza, President of St. John Vianney High School. “Greg not only understands the mission and values of this institution, but he is a tremendous example for our student-athletes - as a husband, father, teacher, and a man of faith. We are confident that under his leadership, our football program will have stability and make our school and community proud.”
Penta’s coaching background, coupled with his experience under two state champion coaches and shore legends Dan George and Fred Sprengel, ensures that he is prepared to lead the football program with the same dedication, discipline, and vision. Throughout his career, Penta has demonstrated a talent for developing student-athletes into exceptional players and leaders, both on and off the field, who are also committed to being good men beyond football. Penta was the position coach for 5 consecutive all-shore quarterbacks at Long Branch, as well as many FBS and FCS level college players.
Shore Football Hall of Fame Coach George said, “Greg is extremely knowledgeable and detail-oriented on both sides of the ball. He puts his time in as a great coach should- no stone is unturned. Greg’s ability to coach kids from all walks of life with respect and integrity is his #1 quality as a coach- now, he will get after you, but he does it in a caring way.”
Sprengel, the former Long Branch and Brick Memorial Head Coach, said: “Greg is a true student of the game, loyal, respectful and hard working. He treats the young men in his care and those around him with respect and dignity. SJV and the players are lucky to have Greg.”
