After finishing the regular season with a 10-0 record and leading his team to back-to-back state championship game appearances, Kirtland’s Tiger LaVerde was named the 2012 Cleveland Browns High School Coach of the Year during halftime of Sunday’s Browns game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
LaVerde was among 10 finalists up for the award, which was conducted in conjunction with the Cleveland Browns High School Game of the Week program. The High School Game of the Week program is presented by PNC Bank, and in association with the Ohio Army National Guard and Russell Athletic.
"This was exciting for our players, our school and athletic department," LaVerde said.
As the Coach of the Year, LaVerde received an $8,000 contribution, which will go to the Kirtland athletic department.
The other nine Coach of the Year finalists included Nick Ciulli (North Royalton), Mark Campo (Westlake), Mark Iammarino (Chagrin Falls), Matt Stoll (Wellington), Jason Ward (Columbia), Matt Duffy (Willoughby South), Tom Lombardo (Medina Highland), Al Martin (Cuyahoga Heights) and Dave McFarland (Midpark).
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary and Kirtland football teams honored
In addition to the Coach of the Year recognition, the Browns also honored the Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary football team for their Division III State Championship and Kirtland for their Division V State Runner-Up finish. Both squads were recognized on-field during halftime.
