Columbia Physical Education Teacher and Strength and Conditioning Coach Tom Libardi
Columbia High School Physical Education Teacher and Strength and Conditioning Coach Tom Libardi was named New York State Coach of the Year in the Northeast Region by the National High School Strength Coaches Association on Wednesday. The Northeast region covers Maine to Virginia.
Mr. Libardi coaches physical education classes, including Personal Performance and Fit for Life, and he oversees the weight room and wellness room from 2:15-5:15 p.m. daily. Each day, approximately 75-100 students use the weight room after school to improve their health and fitness.
Mr. Libardi said he was honored to receive this statewide award.
“Honestly, it’s one of those surreal moments,” he 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.”
Over the past few years, Mr. Libardi has worked to improve Columbia’s weight room and physical education offerings to students. Along with Physical Education Department Chair Chris Hosley and Director of Athletics Ryan Jones, they added a new Fit for Life class to the high school curriculum. Fit for Life is a circuit based cardiovascular strength and endurance training class which may be a more attractive option for students who don’t enjoy traditional physical education class.
Mr. Libardi hopes to continue making improvements to the weight room and create a mentorship program for Howard L. Goff Middle School students.
“You can literally change someone’s life in this room,” he said, noting the impact of fitness on social emotional wellness.
Mr. Libardi expressed appreciation for the support he has at school and at home.
“I couldn’t do this without my co-workers, the administrators, and of course the students,” said Mr. Libardi. “And a special thanks to my wife who is so supportive of my work.”
Congratulations to Mr. Libardi!
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