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Kirtland's Tiger LaVerde wins Cleveland Browns High School Coach of the Year award

LaVerde led his team to an unbeaten season and a state championship.
Credit: Matt Florjancic, WKYC

During their 26-20 victory Sunday over the Carolina Panthers, the Browns took the opportunity to honor one of the best high school football coaches in the state of Ohio.

The Browns named Kirtland's Tiger LaVerde as their High School Coach of the Year, selecting him from a list of nine finalists. The award earns LaVerde a $4,500 grant to benefit his school's football program, an all-expenses paid trip to January's Pro Bowl in Orlando, and a nomination for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award.

LaVerde and the Hornets enjoyed a spectacular season in 2018, going 15-0 and outscoring opponents 574-71 en route to the OHSAA Division VI state championship. Since becoming Kirtland's head man in 2006, LaVerde has gone an incredible 159-17 with four state titles and has also taught calculus at the high school.

Said senior running back Joey Torok:

“Coach LaVerde has been more than just a coach to not only me, but everyone else who has ever played for him. He puts in so much time and effort to make sure we become good football players but better people. Former players always come in during school just to eat lunch and catch up with him because of the impact he had on their lives. He always preaches about hard work. That’s something that he’s instilled in every one of his players. He’s meant so much to me, my teammates, this school system and our community. Kirtland is blessed to have someone like him.”

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