Our Coaches

Thursday, 20 January 2011 16:19 |

Last Updated on Thursday, 08 September 2011 15:25 |

2011 Varsity Coaches

Dave Whitcomb - Head Varsity Coach

This is Coach Whitcomb's second year at Fairport. Dave is an experienced teacher-coach with a track record of success wherever he has been. He has been a PE teacher, coach and administrator in Section V for over 30 years. He recently retired as the Athletic Director in Geneva. He has coached at Avon, Aquinas, Midlakes and Geneva where his teams won (6) League titles, (6) Section V titles, (3) Western Regional titles, made (2) NYSPHSAA State Championship game appearances and won the 2006 Class B State Championship (Geneva). He has also been recognized by his peers with numerous Coach of the Year awards and is the only coach in Section V history to win sectional titles in football at three different schools. He is married to his wife Janet, they have two children—David and Michelle and four grandchildren.

Gary "Brownie" Brown - Varsity Coach

Gary "Brownie" Brown, is in his ninth year of coaching high school football, 7th year at FHS. A 1977 graduate of Fairport he played for Don Santini his first year at Fairport in 1975, was selected "All County" center in 1976. He has worked for a local utility company for the past 34 years. He has volunteered his time the past seven years for the district with the same enthusiasm, excitement and passion that Coach Santini brought in 1975. He completed the New York State High School Coaching Certification program in 2003. Gary is Vice President of the Fairport Football Alumni Association. Gary was inducted into the "Fairport Wall of Fame" in 2007 for his volunteer efforts, dedication to the community and his love for the Fairport schools. His other endeavor right now is the "Walk of Pride" (A website depicting the storied history of Fairport Football.) "Once a Raider…… Always a Raider"

Gary presently lives in Fairport with his beautiful wife Mary, and three outstanding young men, Max 18, Mackenzie 16, and Michael 11.

Ralph Gebhardt - Varsity Coach

Ralph Gebhardt is excited to be returning to Fairport Football where he was a member of the original AGR team. His previous experience includes being the head coach at St John Fisher College for four years. Other stops along the way were at Tufts University, New Hampton Prep School, Pittsford High School, Fairport High School with Coach Santini, and Midlakes High School with Coach Whitcomb. Ralph also coached at his alma mater, The University of Rochester, where he was an All-American defensive back. Coach Gebhardt teaches math at Johanna Perrin Middle School and has been a member of the FHS basketball staff for the past 15 years. His wife, Debby, is also a FHS grad and is currently a science teacher at the high school. They have three children who have graduated from FHS: Becky '99, Shelley '02 and Brian '07.

Jacques Monte - Varsity Coach

Jacques is in his 10th year of teaching Physical Education in Fairport. As a Fairport alumni he was a standout athlete for the Red Raider Football, Wrestling, and Lacrosse programs. In addition to football, Jacques is an assistant coach for Fairport Lacrosse. Jacques graduated from Hobart College with a B.A. in Economics and has a Masters in Sports Management from Ohio State University. Jacques won three national championships while at Hobart College and played professional lacrosse for the Detroit Turbos. He enjoys fishing, golf and music. Jacques lives in Fairport with his wife Elizabeth, daughter Emma, sons Jackson and Mitchell.

Marc Vitticore - Varsity Coach

An 11 year coaching veteran, Marc Vitticore returns as the varsity quarterbacks/ defensive backs coach. At Red Jacket, his alma-mater, he was a standout player. (Finger Lakes West all-league wide receiver - 1997). There, alongside his father Dominic, he began his coaching career. He has coached at Fairport, Lyons & Red Jacket where he helped teams win (2) Section V titles, (1) Western Regional titles, & made (1) NYSPHSAA State Semi Final game appearance. He earned a Bachelor of Science at Cortland State in Physical Education in 2001 and completed a Masters Degree in General Education (Learning and Instruction) at the University at Buffalo in 2006. He is currently studying education administration at the University of Rochester. Marc and his wife Heather enjoy living in the heart of the great village of Fairport.

Erik Johnson - Varsity Coach

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This is Erik's first season coaching. This season he will be instructing the outside linebackers and wide receivers. Erik is a 2004 graduate of Fairport High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. In college he played at the University of Delaware. He was a three year starter at middle linebacker and currently ranks 9th on the Delaware all time tackles list. Erik lives in Fairport and will be marrying his high school sweetheart, Stephanie Danylyshyn, in September.

2011 JV Coaches

Jason Lehmbeck - Head JV Coach

	Jason is in his 16th year coaching in Fairport. This is his 6th year as the Head JV coach. He coordinates the offense and coaches the backfield. He is in his 15th year of teaching Health and Physical Education at Minerva DeLand. Jason graduated from Penfield High School in 1991. He received his B.S. in Physical Education and M.S. in Health Education from Cortland State, where he played football. Jason has also coached Modified Baseball and currently coaches the Alpine Ski Team in the winter. He is a Past President and current Board of Director member of NYSAHPERD (New York State Association of Health Physical education Recreation and Dance). Jason and his wife, Kerri have two children, Griffin and Peyton, who was just born on July 17th, 2011.

Jason is in his 16th year coaching in Fairport. This is his 6th year as the Head JV coach. He coordinates the offense and coaches the backfield. He is in his 15th year of teaching Health and Physical Education at Minerva DeLand. Jason graduated from Penfield High School in 1991. He received his B.S. in Physical Education and M.S. in Health Education from Cortland State, where he played football. Jason has also coached Modified Baseball and currently coaches the Alpine Ski Team in the winter. He is a Past President and current Board of Director member of NYSAHPERD (New York State Association of Health Physical education Recreation and Dance). Jason and his wife, Kerri have two children, Griffin and Peyton, who was just born on July 17th, 2011.

Jason Garrow - JV Coach

	Jason is in his 12th year as a football coach and 11th year as a Physical Education teacher at Fairport High School. He graduated from Oswego High School in 1996 and went on to earn his B.S. in Physical Education from Cortland State. While at Cortland, Jason played club baseball for 3 years and earned his certification in personal training. He is looking forward to a long and exciting career as a Red Raider here in8Fairport. Jason and his wife, Joslyn, are celebrating their 8th year of marriage and have 3 strong boys; Alex (5), Zachary (3) and Tanner (1).

Jason is in his 12th year as a football coach and 11th year as a Physical Education teacher at Fairport High School. He graduated from Oswego High School in 1996 and went on to earn his B.S. in Physical Education from Cortland State. While at Cortland, Jason played club baseball for 3 years and earned his certification in personal training. He is looking forward to a long and exciting career as a Red Raider here in8Fairport. Jason and his wife, Joslyn, are celebrating their 8th year of marriage and have 3 strong boys; Alex (5), Zachary (3) and Tanner (1).

John McGurk - JV Coach

	John has been involved with the Fairport Red Raiders for many years as a coach and player. A 1998 graduate of FHS, he was a captain on the 1997 NYS Championship Football Team. After graduating from FHS he choose to pursue collegiate lacrosse and a Physical Education and Health degree at Ithaca College. Shortly after graduating John was hired to teach Physical Education by the Fairport Central School District and began coaching football and lacrosse. In 2008, John received Assistant Coach of the Year honors in the sport of lacrosse. While teaching and coaching John earned his M.S. from the University at Buffalo. John lives with his wife, Cheryl and two daughters, Addison and Elena. He enjoys spending time with them and their two labrador retrievers, Remington and Saddie.

John has been involved with the Fairport Red Raiders for many years as a coach and player. A 1998 graduate of FHS, he was a captain on the 1997 NYS Championship Football Team. After graduating from FHS he choose to pursue collegiate lacrosse and a Physical Education and Health degree at Ithaca College. Shortly after graduating John was hired to teach Physical Education by the Fairport Central School District and began coaching football and lacrosse. In 2008, John received Assistant Coach of the Year honors in the sport of lacrosse. While teaching and coaching John earned his M.S. from the University at Buffalo. John lives with his wife, Cheryl and two daughters, Addison and Elena. He enjoys spending time with them and their two labrador retrievers, Remington and Saddie.

2011 Freshman Coaches

Ed Lowe - Head Freshman Coach

	The 2011 season will be Ed's 23nd year of coaching football for the Fairport School District. Previously he had 11 years of football coaching experience in the Pittsford and Brighton school districts. Since 1982 Ed has been teaching Science at Minerva DeLand. Both his bachelors and masters degrees are from SUNY Brockport. He is married to Sue, a business teacher in the Pittsford School District. They have three children — Billy, Ryan and Connor — all Fairport alumni.

The 2011 season will be Ed's 23nd year of coaching football for the Fairport School District. Previously he had 11 years of football coaching experience in the Pittsford and Brighton school districts. Since 1982 Ed has been teaching Science at Minerva DeLand. Both his bachelors and masters degrees are from SUNY Brockport. He is married to Sue, a business teacher in the Pittsford School District. They have three children — Billy, Ryan and Connor — all Fairport alumni.

Mike DeMay - Freshman Coach

	This is Mike's 15th year of teaching Physical Education and coaching football at Fairport High School. This season Mike is the Offensive Coordinator for the Freshman Football team. Mike has coaching experience with Ithaca College and the Rochester Brigade AF2 Football Team. Mike has Masters degrees in both Sports Pedagogy (Ithaca, 2000) and School District Administration (Brockport, 2003) Mike was a member of the 1991 Fairport NYS Championship team and played 4 years of football at Ithaca College. Mike feels blessed to have found the love of his life, Cyndie and future Red Raiders, Cameron and newest addition, daddy's little girl, Isabella. Mike recently purchased Suburban Driving, please visit for any of your future driving needs.

This is Mike's 15th year of teaching Physical Education and coaching football at Fairport High School. This season Mike is the Offensive Coordinator for the Freshman Football team. Mike has coaching experience with Ithaca College and the Rochester Brigade AF2 Football Team. Mike has Masters degrees in both Sports Pedagogy (Ithaca, 2000) and School District Administration (Brockport, 2003) Mike was a member of the 1991 Fairport NYS Championship team and played 4 years of football at Ithaca College. Mike feels blessed to have found the love of his life, Cyndie and future Red Raiders, Cameron and newest addition, daddy's little girl, Isabella. Mike recently purchased Suburban Driving, please visit for any of your future driving needs.

Dan Parsons - Freshman Coach

	Dan received his B.S. degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College where he played football for four seasons. He then received a Master's Degree from Frostburg State in Maryland where he taught PE classes and coached football for two seasons. Dan teaches Health and Physical Education at Johanna Perrin School and resides in Fairport. This summer Dan married the love of his life, and new wife, the beautiful Julie Parsons.

Dan received his B.S. degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College where he played football for four seasons. He then received a Master's Degree from Frostburg State in Maryland where he taught PE classes and coached football for two seasons. Dan teaches Health and Physical Education at Johanna Perrin School and resides in Fairport. This summer Dan married the love of his life, and new wife, the beautiful Julie Parsons.

Modified Coaches

Josh Lenhard - Head Modified Red Team Coach

	This will be Josh's 7th season coaching football in Fairport. A 2000 graduate of East Rochester High School, Josh was a member and captain of the Football, Wrestling and Track teams. His senior year he received the East Rochester Male Athlete of the Year award. He went on to play football and rugby in college and is currently East Rochester's Varsity Wrestling coach. Josh graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2004 with a B.S. in Physical Education and received his master's degree from SUNY Brockport in 2009 concentrating in Athletic Administration. He currently teachers at Dudley/ Northside. Josh and his wife Carrie are expecting their first child in December!

This will be Josh's 7th season coaching football in Fairport. A 2000 graduate of East Rochester High School, Josh was a member and captain of the Football, Wrestling and Track teams. His senior year he received the East Rochester Male Athlete of the Year award. He went on to play football and rugby in college and is currently East Rochester's Varsity Wrestling coach. Josh graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2004 with a B.S. in Physical Education and received his master's degree from SUNY Brockport in 2009 concentrating in Athletic Administration. He currently teachers at Dudley/ Northside. Josh and his wife Carrie are expecting their first child in December!

Tim Bruner - Modified Red Team Coach

	2011 is Coach Bruner's seventh season with Fairport Football. Tim is a NYS certified coach in Football and Softball. He earned both his Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Studies/Special Education from St. John Fisher College and is a teacher at Greece Athena High School. Coach Bruner has served as a line and defensive coach for the past five seasons and prior to that he served as special teams coach and assisted with the line. Coach Bruner thoroughly enjoys coaching at the Modified Level which he views as the foundation for all great programs. Tim is a loyal Buffalo Bills fan who when he is not involved with football also enjoys golfing, skiing and time with his family and his two dogs. Tim, his wife Roseann and son Nick have called Fairport their home for the past 21 years.

2011 is Coach Bruner's seventh season with Fairport Football. Tim is a NYS certified coach in Football and Softball. He earned both his Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Studies/Special Education from St. John Fisher College and is a teacher at Greece Athena High School. Coach Bruner has served as a line and defensive coach for the past five seasons and prior to that he served as special teams coach and assisted with the line. Coach Bruner thoroughly enjoys coaching at the Modified Level which he views as the foundation for all great programs. Tim is a loyal Buffalo Bills fan who when he is not involved with football also enjoys golfing, skiing and time with his family and his two dogs. Tim, his wife Roseann and son Nick have called Fairport their home for the past 21 years.

Denis McGurk - Head Modified Blue Team Coach

	A 2000 graduate of Fairport High School, Denis played 3 years of Football and Lacrosse including being part of the 1997 Football State Championship. He then earned a degree in Physical Education while playing lacrosse at Springfield College. Denis is now in his sixth year of teaching at Northside Elementary and his eighth year of coaching modified football in Fairport. Denis lives in Fairport with his wonderful wife Elaine, their ten year old son Austin, their fifteen year old cat Allie, their 8 month old puppy Utah, and their two carnival gold fish. Coach McGurk is looking forward to a great year and would like to wish all of the football and cheerleading teams the best of luck.

A 2000 graduate of Fairport High School, Denis played 3 years of Football and Lacrosse including being part of the 1997 Football State Championship. He then earned a degree in Physical Education while playing lacrosse at Springfield College. Denis is now in his sixth year of teaching at Northside Elementary and his eighth year of coaching modified football in Fairport. Denis lives in Fairport with his wonderful wife Elaine, their ten year old son Austin, their fifteen year old cat Allie, their 8 month old puppy Utah, and their two carnival gold fish. Coach McGurk is looking forward to a great year and would like to wish all of the football and cheerleading teams the best of luck.

Ray Soja - Modified Team Blue Team Coach

	This is Ray's 36th year of coaching football and his 16th year in the Fairport Program. He also has been an Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach for the Red Raiders. Active in youth sports, Ray has coached all levels of Fairport Little League Baseball, and served as an Athletic Director for Fairport Pop Warner Football. He is a graduate of Cortland State University where he earned a Masters Degree in Physical Education. He is currently a Physical Education teacher in Pittsford School District. Ray and his wife Marcia live in Fairport and have four children; Steve, Greg, Katelyn, and Geoff.

This is Ray's 36th year of coaching football and his 16th year in the Fairport Program. He also has been an Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach for the Red Raiders. Active in youth sports, Ray has coached all levels of Fairport Little League Baseball, and served as an Athletic Director for Fairport Pop Warner Football. He is a graduate of Cortland State University where he earned a Masters Degree in Physical Education. He is currently a Physical Education teacher in Pittsford School District. Ray and his wife Marcia live in Fairport and have four children; Steve, Greg, Katelyn, and Geoff.