A familiar face and veteran volleyball coach will take the helm at Laurel High School for the 2024 season.
On May 8, the Laurel City School Board unanimously accepted the resignation of head volleyball coach Jim Agass and subsequently hired Lou Riparlo as coach for $6,350.
Agus was hired as the Lady Spartans' coach in 2020. Before Agus took the job, he was an assistant coach under Riparlo for 18 years at Butler.
Agas reached out to Riparlo to become an assistant coach when he was hired by Laurel.
“He took the job (at Laurel), so I gave back to him and helped him out,” Riparlo said. “He talked to me about it and said I should think about applying. I was hesitant. When he accepted the job, he asked me if I could be his assistant, and We did that for four years.”
Riparlo said he has a “very good relationship” with Agas, adding, “I've known him for a long time. I've had him as a student. I've seen him play in boys basketball. I asked him to be an assistant coach because I liked his attitude and the way he worked with kids.”
Riparlo began coaching women's volleyball at Butler in 1976. He coached his first men's team at Butler, which was formed in 1994, and in 2005 focused solely on coaching men's teams at Butler.
Riparlo, 71, started teaching physical education in 1974 and retired in 2015.
Laurel athletic director Ken Lock said of Riparlo's hiring: He obviously has experience, he's been involved in volleyball for a long time. We are excited to have him. He's been an assistant for the last few years so he already knows the girls and we're excited to see what he can do with this program. ”
Riparlo said he has an “open mindset” when it comes to coaching, adding, “I don't limit kids or tell them what they can't do, but I try to keep encouraging myself and keep trying to self-improve.” “There is,” he added. Some (coaches) have a closed-minded mindset and limit what kids can and can't do. I'm a motivated coach. I really value that my children always give me effort. The girls on last year's team know how I coach. ”
Riparlo is still adjusting as he coaches the Butler boys volleyball team, which is currently competing in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.
“I've been trying to find balance to get it done,” Riparlo said. “We have conferences scheduled and we're also planning a camp for the kids. We're already doing one in Laurel.”
