March 29, 2024

Townie Veteran Football Coach Monteiro to Retire

Monteiro will remain an EPHS teacher

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East Providence High School football head coach Jay Monteiro is retiring. He will stay on as an EPHS teacher. Monteiro has coached football at many levels. A former head coach at Martin Junior High moving on to be an assistant coach at EPHS where he was part of a team which played in six state championships. His Townie teams won four state championships in 97, 99, 02 and 03. The 1999 Townies were ranked number two in New England.

Monteiro also coached in three Rhode Island state all-star football games. For eight years he coached college Division 1 and 2 teams at Bryant University and Dean College. He returned to coach at EPHS for six years appearing in three Division One playoffs. Monteiro’s teams were always competitive, especially in the face of the Rhode Island high school recruiting scene.

“For the past 31 years I have been blessed to be able to coach the game that I have always had a passion and love for, football,” said Monteiro. “I have had the opportunity to coach many All Division, All Staters, All Americans, and Pro Athletes over the years. I have always tried to love and coach them hard like they were my sons. I have coached with many coaches throughout the years who to this day I call my friends,” added Monteiro.

Monteiro was shaken this year at the passing of his Dad. He and his players dedicated much of the year to his Dad’s memory. “My late Dad who was my rock, would always say to me, ‘give your kids what I could not give you.’ After all these years I figured it out - it’s time,” said a wistful Monteiro. “My dad was a truck driver and worked late hours and therefore was unable to make it to some of my games, so I have decided that it is time to hang up my whistle and retire from the game I love, to spend time with my family and have the opportunity to go watch my youngest daughter play her last two years of H.S. Soccer,” he said.

“Let me be among the first to say this is well deserved. You have been a blessing to my family. Not just a coach, but a mentor and friend. Thank you for all you have done for Jaren. I wish you nothing but health and happiness. Family is everything,” said Townie football parent Christine Alves.

“Thank you for your tireless dedication to the student athletes of East Providence. You are a class act. You are what you preached, family, hard work and character,” said EPHS Athletic Director and 1984 EPHS Monteiro classmate Gregg Amore.

Dozens of accolades and well wishes have been flooding social media as well as phone calls and notes sent to Monteiro. “Thank you, players, parents, and the East Providence School Department for all you have done for me,” said the coach.

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