Albion grad gets football coaching position at the U. of Findlay

Monacelli will be a graduate assistant

Contributed Photo – Matt Monacelli

Albion High and St. John Fisher College graduate Matt Monacelli has accepted a position as a Graduate Assistant Football Coach at the University of Findlay, a NCAA Division II college located in Findlay, Ohio.

Monacelli, who played football for three years for the Divison III Cardinals, graduated from St. John Fisher in January with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management.

“I’m really excited. I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Monacelli. “I can’t wait to get going.”

Interestingly, the Findlay football staff also includes another Albion High graduate, Kory Allen, who is the team’s run game coordinator and recruiting coordinator.

“It’s going to be great having Kory there from Albion. He got me the interview,” said Monacelli. “I’ve always wanted to coach and I’ve grown up around coaches, my Dad (Dan Monacelli) and Coach (Dick) Diminuco. I’ve learned a lot from them and now I’d like to be able to pass that knowledge along.”

Contributed Photo – Monacelli in action for St. John Fisher.

A wide receiver at Fisher, Monacelli’s biggest season was his junior year when he caught 21 passes and scored three touchdowns.

“Matt was an exceptional student and athlete at Albion,” said Albion varsity football Coach Gary Parisi. “While I was Defensive Coordinator at Albion, Matt made all the coverage calls and adjustments on defense.” “He is a very smart person with a bright future in front of him within the coaching profession, I can see him going far.”

During his scholastic days at Albion, Monacelli played football, basketball and baseball earning All-League honors in both football and baseball. He led the Purple Eagles in receptions in junior and senior years and earned team MVP honors as a senior.

“I’m very excited for Matt. He really has a great mind for the game,” said Diminuco who coached both Monacelli and Allen at Albion. “I talked to Kory and they interviewed Matt and liked him a lot. Kory has become a very good college coach and I think Matt is going to be a very good one as well. Findlay plays in a very touch league in Division II so this will be a great opportunity for him.”