Mr. Matthew Petruzzelli has moved into the position of Athletic Director of the Lourdes Program and will service the varied and expansive athletic needs of this College Preparatory High School serving over forty teams and five hundred student athletes. Originally hailing from New Paltz, New York, Mr. Petruzzelli grew up playing Section IX basketball at New Paltz High School, leading the team to a section title in 2008; his name is proudly displayed in the gymnasium for scoring over 1000 points throughout his high school career. He continued his basketball career at Keene State College in New Hampshire where he earned a Bachelor of Science. 

This role will provide strategic leadership and vision to the OLLHS Department of Athletics, including but not limited to developing and implementing policies, procedures, and an organizational structure for the department that ensures its administrative and operational effectiveness, budget management, compliance, and day-to-day operations. 

Mr. Petruzzelli’s experiences as a coach and educator at Our Lady of Lourdes have prepared him for this next step as Athletic Director. He has served the OLL student body for seven years as a teacher of Physical Education, a Physical Education Department Coordinator, and an assistant to the Athletic Director. He is thrilled to pour his passion and energy into continuing to grow Lourdes athletics and create the best opportunities possible for the Lourdes student-athletes. The students, colleagues, and Lourdes families who know “Coach P” will say that he cares deeply about the student body, both on and off the courts and fields on which they compete. A great communicator, exceptional listener, and steadfastly fair individual, Mr. Petruzzelli possesses all of the qualities of an apt leader. The OLL student-athletes are in great hands. 

In November 2022, Mr. Petruzzelli will be joined by an Associate Athletic Director, Mr. Richard Curran. Richard Curran joins the Warriors after numerous years of experience in athletics at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. This position’s primary mission is to ensure that our student-athletes, coaching staff, and administrators are provided with first class support and resources necessary to be academically and athletically successful while in total compliance with all NYSPHSAA & Section IX rules and regulations.

Most recently Mr. Curran was an Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Strength Coordinator at SUNY Cortland. During the 2021 season Curran saw success helping the team to an Empire 8 Conference championship and playoff appearance. Prior to Cortland, Mr. Curran also had administrative and athletic leadership positions at Stonehill College and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he not only coached, but also held the titles of Assistant Equipment Manager, Events Coordinator, and Recruiting Coordinator. 

Before moving into the college ranks, Mr. Curran spent time at his alma mater, Red Bank Catholic High School and St. James Elementary School (Red Bank, NJ). During his tenure, Mr. Curran coached both football and boys basketball, while also teaching in both schools. Mr. Curran was a Lacrosse and Football standout at Red Bank Catholic. Mr. Curran also had experience being a part of the Miami Dolphins organization of the National Football League.

A graduate of Saint Anselm College, he was a four-year letter for the Hawks football program and earned his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology. He also completed his Master of Science degree in Global Sports Business from Rutgers University with an emphasis in Sports Leadership and Administration. 

Both Mr. Petruzzelli and Mr. Curran will represent OLLHS at Section Meetings and are very eager to serve, support and contribute to the good work of Our Lady of Lourdes High School as well as Section IX.