SOMERS, N.Y. - As a longtime football coach, Tommy Albano knows the decisions never stop.
Now, as he takes over as Somers' athletic director, the scope of those decisions has expanded far beyond the field of play. Still, Albano is confident his approach will prepare him to handle the increased responsibility.
Gathering information from all sides, Albano said, “Everyone should know a lot of thought and effort will go into decision making, and it won’t be just a me thing. It will be a team collaborative thing to make an educated choice or decision.”
The decision to step into the new role, however, was his alone.
“When the position came open, I applied and interviewed,” said the former SIS, Primrose, and Middle School teacher.
Of course, Albano didn’t come out of nowhere. While serving as the freshman football coach, he also worked closely with Mr. Hattem and Dr. Blanch on a K-5 health curriculum as he moved between school buildings.
“I was in the athletic office constantly,” he said. “So I got to know a little bit of the ins and outs.”
His first priority as athletic director is a clear one.
“The mission statement is the whole athlete,” the interim AD asserted.
With the understanding that athletic careers eventually end, Albano emphasizes the importance of student-athletes building a solid foundation for lifelong well-being.
“As they get older, we want them to have lifelong physical and mental health,” Albano clarified.
Aligned with the health and PE curriculum he continues to champion, he also wants to encourage broader participation.
“We want more kids to try out,” he said.
For students already involved in athletics, Albano sees no need for sweeping changes.
“There’s teams that don’t need to be fixed. So I’m just going to continue to guide those, while building up other programs that need more support,” he said.
At the same time, Albano wants to give teams and coaches the freedom to operate without micromanagement. But he knows everyone has their own view of what progress looks like.
“I’m always open to phone calls and emails,” Albano assured.
Fielding concerns is part of the job, and Albano takes that responsibility seriously.
“I want to do my due diligence, because I know everyone is just advocating for their child,” he said.
The energy of Friday night lights is undeniable. But that same passion can sometimes become a problem.
“Some referees are looking at it as it not worth the money to take all the criticism,” Albano asserted.
With referee shortages becoming a recurring issue across Section One schools, Albano emphasizes a simple sportsmanship mantra:
“No names, no numbers and let the coaches coach, let the players play and let the refs ref,” he said, repeating the game-time PSA.
He also understands that emotions can run high.
“I know it’s hard as a parent,” he said. “I’ve been on that side.”
Still, questioning calls doesn’t have to cross the line.
“It’s an overall community, team and program that we all have to fall under,” Albano implored, stressing the importance of mutual respect.
As for football, the inclusion of North Salem athletes into the program reflects a broader goal. While increasing enrollment played a part, it wasn’t the only reason.
“We wanted to give them the opportunity,” he said.
Elsewhere, Brian Lanzetta has transitioned to coach the girls’ soccer team, while Rob Carreira will move up from JV to take over the boys program. The biggest change, of course, is Albano’s own shift into the athletic director role.
Now hoping to shed the interim label, Albano credits Mr. Hattem as a model for supporting coaches.
“I hope to bring that too,” he said.
He also recognizes the solitude that can come with leadership—but meets it with humor.
“I’m up to it because the desk isn’t big enough for me to hide under,” joked Albano.
And with that, he sets his sights on the future.
“There’s been a lot of success here, and I definitely want to build on that,” he concluded.
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