Ranger's legendary wrestling coach announces retirement
Lanette Cypher, Public Information Office . September 16, 2009
Info@SpencerportSchools.org . www.SpencerportSchools.org

Spencerport - William Jacoutot, the all-time winningest coach in Spencerport Ranger wrestling history, announced his retirement as the Rangers Varsity Wrestling Coach today.

Jacoutot compiled a record of 353-28-1 in his 28-year career at Spencerport High School. In addition, he coached 5 nationally ranked teams and led the Rangers to 7 NYS team championships, 21 Section V tournament championships, 23 county divisional championships, and 10 undefeated seasons. He has been honored numerous times as the Monroe County Coach of the Year, Section V Coach of the Year, and even the National High School Coach of the Year in 2008.

Spencerport Athletic Director John Pelin said, "It would be hard to believe that any coach in high school athletics has had more of an influence on a program, school, and community as Coach Jacoutot has had as our wrestling coach. His success stems from being an exceptional instructor as well as developing very positive, long lasting relationships with the student athletes. It is impossible to measure the contributions to our school community as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend."

Spencerport School Superintendent Bonnie Seaburn said of Jacoutot, "Every once in awhile, someone comes along and you think to yourself, 'This person is so uniquely talented, that I feel privileged to know him.' I feel this way about Bill Jacoutot. Not only will he be missed for the talent he has exhibited with our wrestling program, but for who he is as a person. His sense of humor, his intensity, his devotion to Spencerport and his single focus on the students.all make him one of those people you are proud to have worked with in your lifetime."

Scott DeSimone, who shared an office and coached with Jacoutot for 17 years said, "No one works harder than Bill Jacoutot. His dedication to his athletes and the Spencerport School District is unparalleled. Bill exemplifies what a great teacher is. He inspires and motivates his students to reach higher."

Former wrestler and now a coach in the Junior Rangers Wrestling Program, Justin Raines, said, "Coach Jacoutot has written a chapter in Spencerport's history. He took the time to make sure he positioned Spencerport for continued success, not just for state recognition but on a national level. I'm often asked even now, 18 years later, what it was like to wrestle for Coach J. Simply, there's nothing like it. He eats, breathes, and lives wrestling. He's committed to giving his all, and he expects the same of his wrestlers. He was always there to help, motivate and teach. Everyone knew it. I'm proud to say I competed for him, and he definitely had a lasting impression on my life."

Former wrestler and friend, Mike Lopresti, said "Coach Jacoutot's coaching record and accomplishments speak for itself. But more importantly the lifelong lessons learned of leadership, hard work, determination and friendship will be forever missed by all of Spencerport, its athletes and the entire wrestling community."

Ned Dale, principal of Cosgrove Middle School, said, "It has been an honor and privilege to work with a professional of his stature. He's true role model."

Jacoutot joined the Spencerport staff in 1981 as a physical education teacher at Cosgrove Middle School. He remained a teacher until 2007, when he assumed the role of Dean of Students at the school. He retired as a teacher last spring, and in recognition of his professional and wrestling accomplishments, the Board of Education named the auxiliary gym the "Coach J" Wrestling Room.