Humbert resigns as BVA football coach

By JEREMY SELLEW

jsellew@yourmvi.com

One of the mantra’s the Belle Vernon Area football team follows under Matt Humbert’s leadership is “rejecting comfort.”

Humbert embraced it Thursday.

The longtime Leopards mentor announced his resignation as head football coach after meeting with his team to inform them of his decision after the school day.

He said he will stay on as athletic director.

“It just fell right into that rejecting comfort motto,” Humbert said of the team meeting. “It was very uncomfortable for me, and I’m sure for them. It’s not something you want to do.

“But I’m at peace with the decision. Just having the idea that I’ll still be there, who knows, I may coach in some capacity and help out, but the bright side is that as athletic director I hope to have a hand in making the decision of who the next coach will be.”

Humbert said he’s not pursuing other opportunities to coach and that he’s looking forward to gaining more family time with his wife Kimberly and children Nolan and Payton.

“I really just owe it to them to gain a little bit of my kids’ life back,” he said. “Nolan is two years from middle school, Payton is two years from high school. I’ve never been to one of her softball games.

“My wife and family has been phenomenal to me and sacrificed so much for me and my career in the past 15 years,” he said. “Why should I not pay that back.”

Humbert said he’ll be back on the sidelines eventually, but not for a while.

“I have no aspirations of not being in coaching. It’s part of my DNA, it’s who I am 1,000%,” he said. “I’ve already passed up a number of opportunities. Now, I’m going to give my family and kids the attention they need.”

Humbert said a lot of the players and others were shocked by the decision to resign.

“I’m sure there will be those that look deep into this. There’s honestly no other reason right now other than it’s time. Being a coach requires so much time and dedication. That’s been time away from my kids,” he added.

Humbert’s wife Kimberly picked up a side job and has since been promoted. He said he envies her drive and looks forward to supporting her the way she has supported him.

“She comes home from her work day and still puts in two to three more hours of work,” he said. “The kids are older and need to be five different places. We’ve had to rely on our friends and neighbors so much. I really want her to succeed at what she’s doing and be able to support and help her in any way that I can.”

Humbert sent a letter to “Lep Nation” concerning his future and announcing his decision to resign.

“To say this has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my life does not give it justice. My main reason is simple. Time. I have sacrificed much of my own family’s time to dedicate time to my football family. I have always put my program first, and I don’t have any regrets about that for the simple fact that it is a prerequisite to coaching. My family has always embraced and supported that concept and truly have been a part of the collective Leopard Football team,” he wrote.

“I always tell the players that there is an expiration date in football, and it is time I practice what I preach. I am at a stage in my life where my family needs me more. My children are at the age where they need me to dedicate more time to their development and growth to make the most impact in their lives before their independence takes over.”

Humbert finished with an overall record of 124-36 in his career. During his 11 seasons at BVA, he piled up 94 wins, two WPIAL championships and two PIAA state championships.

“I have truly given my all over the past 11 years to BVA football. These 11 years have been overtly rewarding, all of which are due in part to the hard work and dedication of my players and coaches, as well as the support of the administration and school board,” he continued in the letter. “I will always look back on my time coaching at BVA with profound gratification and pride. The program has soared to a distinction of one of the prominent programs in District 7 and the State.”

Remaining as athletic director, Humbert assured his players he will make sure the right candidate takes over the program.

“It’s important for them, and to me, that we get the right person that will progress our culture and traditions,” Humbert said.