The program would not be where it is today without the strong support of the community. In 2002 the program started its   Hall of Fame to honor some of the people who embodied the program's spirit through their time and efforts kept the Jr. Blue Devils going.  We continue to thank them for bringing us to where we are today!

2023 Co-President and Coach Brian Young

When we first told President and Coach Brian Young he had been voted into the Jr. Blue Devils Hall of Fame, he responded in his typical fashion.  “No.” And we had to laugh.

Never one to seek the spotlight or need extra kudos, the former Ithaca QB has always been known more for rolling up his sleeves and getting the work done than looking for any spotlight.

Consistent in his leadership style on and off the field since the beginning, Young was in the first group of Rochester coaches to take the lead on “rookie” tackle.  Then after Covid and the program’s hiatus due to the pandemic, he quickly joined the helm of the Jr. Blue Devils bringing youth tackle, flag and cheerleading back to Victor, while also helping to add advanced flag to our program’s options.   Those options have paid off.  Victor is now the largest program in Rochester, nearly doubling in size over the last few years.  We went from around 390 last year… to 523 this year.

Lest you think he’s just a football coach; let me share some of accomplishments he helped champion on the cheer side--- new uniforms for the first time in years…. A second set of mats for the first time ever… and getting cheerleaders inside in August for the first time ever…. Traditionally- cheer was something that ran kind of on it’s own…. Brian has supported every step forward for our cheer athletes.

Brian’s standard response to any idea that would elevate the program or bring joy to the kids usually follows two steps.  The first- yes!  The second, how do we get there?  Always calm, always patient, always thorough and with the right perspective on putting our kids first, Brian has elevated our program, our sports and our community at every opportunity.

No man can rule alone.  Brian would be the first person to tell you none of his service would be possible without his beautiful wife Pam.  While she may not have held a specific title, those behind the scenes know countless ideas and endless support came from her.  From suggesting other leaders, to organizing team parties and advocating what is best for families, Pam has been a source of support larger than most might realize.

We often hear one another say we want the kids to learn life lessons from sports.  Not many go pro, but all will be future community members.  Character traits like integrity, the ability to collaborate, patience, strength in the face of adversity, doing the right thing.  While there’s no doubt Coach learned those values from his wonderful parents, he also likely fine tuned them in his athletic career—the mentors, the teammates, the coaches, the pressure and the opportunity to withstand it.

The wonderful family he and Pam have created, the business he built, the service he gives back to us are all products of someone raised in youth sports.  And we should thank our lucky stars they gave us a friend- and a leader- like Brian Young.

Congratulations, President and Coach Brian Young on your Hall of Fame Induction!

2023 Coach Jason Housel

Coach Housel has been invested in the Jr Blue Devils program for the last 8 years.  He has coached both of his sons, Cole and Brock, starting with flag football and at every level of our program, including leading our A Team as head coach this year.  In 2022, he lead the Jr Blue Devils B Gold team on a storied undefeated run, capped off by wining the RYFC Championship.  This year he took 35 sixth graders under his wing and competed as the youngest team in a 6th/7th grade league, finishing 4-5 and earning an appearance in the RYFC silver championship game.

More important than wins and losses, Coach Housel has connected with and earned the respect of hundreds of kids and families in our program.  He cares deeply about each each athlete he's coached, both on and off the field, and takes pride in preparing these young men for the next level of football.

His motto, "Be the hammer, not the nail!" has helped create a culture of physical and mental toughness, and is something all of his players will carry on with them.  Another of the many things Coach Housel will be remembered for are his "Ice cream Thursdays," following each week of preseason camp.  No better way to reward the kids for their week of hard work!

We are forever thankful for this knowledge and dedication Coach Housel has provided to the Victor Jr Blue Devils, and for that we invite him to join our Hall of Fame!

2022- Dave D’Agostino

            Dave D’Agostino has invested at least 8 years with the Jr. Blue Devils, hitting every level along the way from flag to assistant tackle coach to head coach. This year he lead- quite arguably- the youngest team at the A level, as Victor was the only program that limited our players to 6^th grade.  But if you look at the team’s record you can see he believes in the potential of a team, not the projected limitations.  He believes in his kids and his fellow coaches.

We asked one of his assistants to describe Dave and this is what he said, “Coach D’Agostino is exactly that, THE COACH. He is 100% dedicated to making all his players better football players and better men. He holds them accountable when they do something wrong and praises them when they do something right. He is firm, fair, and consistent. He has taught these kids to be Warriors whether you win or lose. His preparation for practice has taught his players to be ready, confident and prepared for games.  He has been successful in every season he has coached, not just in the wins and loss columns, but in every single kid he has help mold into better members of the Victor community.”

            For that we, humbly, thank Coach Dave D’Agostino and invite him to join our Hall of Fame.

2022- Matt Kubinksi

                  This nomination is incredibly special because it didn’t come from an adult… it came from a player.  A kid.  The ones we are all here to encourage and teach and, hopefully, be a positive role model to.  Matt Kubinski has been doing that for 8 years.  He’s calm, but enthusiastic. He sees the progress individual players make, kids who don’t always grab the most attention.  And, most importantly, he tells THEM when he sees it.

                  The player who nominated him said, “He’s super nice.  He always does fun drills. He stayed behind to coach us even though he doesn’t have a son that plays on this team. That shows us he WANTS to coach, he loves the game of football and he’s gone above and beyond for us!”

                  But the fan club isn’t reserved for just players.  We asked a fellow coach what it’s like working with Coach Kubinksi and this is what he shared. “I’ve heard about Matt for years now, but this year has been our first coaching together. I will say the hype is real! Matt has no ties to the program anymore; however, his passion, knowledge and relatability to the kids has been impressive to watch.”

                  For that, we ALL join his fan club and ask Coach Matt Kubinksi to join our Hall of Fame!

2022- Becca DeFrank

Probably not many people in the program this year can remember a time before Becca DeFrank was a part of the Jr. Blue Devils.  She stepped in 7 years ago with her oldest daughter Cora and started with fundraising on the board.  She also coached A team along the way and spent 5 years on the board, including 2 as Cheer VP. She has handled uniforms, bows, bodysuits, selecting competitions, putting up hair in an emergency, selecting coaches and scheduling… should we go on?

Then 2 seasons ago she agreed to help run cheer for the entire league as part of the RYFC executive board.  All the while being a single Mom to 3 kids and working multiple jobs.  Becca’s devotion to our kids can’t be overstated and we can’t imagine the place we would have been in without her. For these reasons- and many more- we invite Becca DeFrank to join the Victor Jr. Blue Devils Hall of Fame!

2020- Mike Ruffalo

2020- Noelle Collins

2019 - Mike Riley

You cannot think of the Jr. Blue Devils without also thinking of Mike Riley.  The two have become synonymous since his family moved to Victor.  He started as an assistant coach on his son Jameson’s team and quickly joined the board as treasurer.  From there, Mike worked to transition into the position of President, and it is there he has stayed for years now.  Yes, he continued to lead this program even after his son aged out and moved on to modified. 

Mike is the definition of nose to the grindstone, led by example.  He is the first one to the field and the last to leave.  Many of us over the years actually assumed he was a paid employee!  He constantly and consistently searched out ways to make the game as safe as possible for the kids and advocated for Victor in the RYFC league, serving that league from its inception.  He helped establish and grow the flag program.  He developed and laid the foundation for an exceptionally strong alliance between the high school and youth teams for both football and cheer. 

Mike made things easier on the rest of us.  He developed the scholarship program so that no child in Victor has to miss out on youth football because of financial concerns.  He streamlined the end of year celebrations and set up a vendor so parents can watch their players on the field instead of working the concession stand.  Mike put the right people in the right place to lead things with positivity, support and, most of all, keep the focus on the kids.

In addition to all Mike has given to the youth football program, we would be remiss if we did not also mention his wife Cindy.  Cindy is not only the woman behind the man, but she is also the President of the Victor PTA.  It is virtually impossible to tally the contributions this one family has made to our Blue Devils community.

As we were looking for some words of wisdom to describe Mike, we came across one that is not even sports related.  Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to look for it.”  What a perfect description of Mike.  And if you do not believe us- just look at the photos of him.  In everyone he is conferencing with a coach, organizing fun for the kids, standing on the sidelines in support and NEVER asking for any recognition or fanfare.  In fact, finding photos of Mike was kind of like searching for a unicorn.

2019 - Dave Tantillo

Please turn your spotlight to a legend in the Victor Jr. Blue Devils youth football program, as we announce a new “Hall of Fame” inductee. We proudly share with you Coach Dave Tantillo has been voted to join the Victor Jr. Blue Devils Hall of Fame! A coach who by all accounts put his players and their safety first, Coach Tantillo was led by his commitment and love for his three sons. Jaden, Landon, and Asher all got to play with their Dad leading the way.

Now get comfortable as we list just some of the contributions Coach Tantillo made to the Victor Youth Football program…because there are a lot!

Coach Tantillo was at the helm of 3 flag football teams. He was an assistant coach for 4 tackle teams and for 5 years served as a head coach. 7 out of 8 of his teams went to the championship game. 3 of those teams bringing the title home to Victor! He organized the youth summer camp, while also serving our community at large as a Victor Town Councilman for 8 years. Plus, 8 years on the committee for the Parks and Recreation Department. And let us not forget the time he spent securing the resources and funding for things like the summer and February break camps.

if you could read through the dozens of messages sent from parents over the years you would see thankful comments, like how Coach Tantillo brought out the best in a tough kid, saw potential in every player and placed as much importance on sportsmanship as he did on Xs and Os. Dave Tantillo started coaching Victor youth teams all the way back in 2009 and he is still going strong, coaching the programs available through Pinnacle during the Covid-19 quarantine. 

But it was not just Dave contributing so much to the football program. His wife Jill was also a steadfast source of support. She served on the board overseeing spirit wear, was a team Mom and supported their 3 sons as players. Plus, the countless days and hours she lent her husband to his commitments as a coach.

If you know Dave, held a clipboard with him or better yet your kids played for him, please take a moment to reach out and congratulate him. A thumbs up on social media is great, but ideally, we would have acknowledged him in person in a room full of grateful parents and kids.

2018 - Matt Ricci 

It is hard to remember a season in which Matt Ricci was not out on the field in one role or another. As our Director of Flag football for several years he organized and built the program to what it is today. As a Head Coach and Assistant Coach, he has been involved in some of our most successful teams ever. And as Vice President of Football Matt ensured the program was focused on the right thing – the kids. 

If you know Matt, you know one thing about him – he never wavers from being kid first. He connects with the kids in a way which is truly fun to watch and appreciate. The kids look up to Coach Ricci and he has always worked to earn and keep that respect for players, parents, and fellow board members. 

It does not end on the football field – Matt has also acted as President for Victor Youth Wrestling for several years and been continually active in developing wrestlers and the sprot of wrestling as a whole in our community. 

Matt is always first in and last out when things need to be done win the program. Whether it helping to properly align the teams for the best of the program or emptying trash after a long day at the field Matt has always been there. Along side him are 3 amazing players and one even more amazing wife (who also is there to lend a hand whenever needed!) We are blessed to have the Riccis in our community! 

2017 - Tim Keohane

Each season the Victor Blue Devil Youth Football and Cheerleading board of directors has selected a member of our community to be honored for their contribution to our program. We look to recognize someone who has dedicated themselves to the success of our program beyond any personal gratification. Someone who has made a positive impact in the experience for the participants they have encountered. This season, we are proud to honor Coach Tim Keohane.

We lost Tim unexpectedly just prior to our season on July 30, 2017. Tim passed away on his beloved land in Naples.  The impact on our Jr. Blue Devil and Victor community was significant. Tim had an infectious smile and boisterous personality that brought life to our football practice fields.  Whether Tim was rooting on his beloved boys, Timmy and Casey, or coaching, there was no mistaking when Coach Tim was around.

 Tim was initiated into Victor youth football with his older son Timmy. Tim fell in love with youth football through his son and was eager to help any where needed. In the early days Tim would volunteer on our sidelines and even help with traffic flow.  When Casey started playing, Tim became more involved as an assistant coach and eventually applied to be one of our head coaches at the B level. Tim wore the title of Head Coach as an honor. He worked tirelessly during the summer studying offenses and defenses in preparation for the season.  Tim always showed the kids he coached how much he loved football and coaching these kids. Tim Keohane was a great ambassador of youth football for Victor.     

On behalf of the Victor Jr. Blue Devils Board of Directors, it is a privilege to recognize our 2017 Victor Jr. Blue Devil Youth Football and Cheerleading Hall of Fame honoree Timothy M. Keohane.

2017 - Jodie Gleason

What is a Hall of Famer – it is a person who has left a mark not only on the program but the many kids who go through it over the year. This year is no different. Before we bring out this year’s Hall of Fame inductee, I want to read a quick poem that we feel sums up this person.

Putting on band aides

Stopping a bloody nose

Holding on ice packs

To help you heal from tough blows.

Tirelessly healing all day long

Just to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Our children are safer because of you.

Thank you, Jodie Gleason, for all that you do!

Many of you may not know that the Blue Devils started as the Victor Saints and that is where Jodie began. She began like all of you as a parent back in 2005 and immediately she started volunteering. She has been a fixture for the Blue Devils as she saw 5 of her own children through the program. And it does not stop there.

She has put her LPN skills to work on our sidelines for the last 6 years. She has driven from Hamlin to Victor and more to ensure your kids are safe and well taken care of.

On behalf of the Victor Jr. Blue Devils Board of Directors, it is a privilege to recognize our 2017 Victor Jr. Blue Devil Youth Football and Cheerleading Hall of Fame honoree Jodie Gleason.

2016 - Mike and Meredith Ferraro

One of the greatest joys of this program is the fact that it often becomes a family program for many participants and parents. No one embodies this better than the Ferraros. Meredith was actively involved with the program for 5 years volunteering as Secretary and Vice President, but most notably Meredith was a person who would do whatever was needed for the sake of the program or the kids – whether selling spirit wear of running the grill in the concession stands Meredith was always there! Mike, or Coach Frog, to many of the kids was a sideline fixture for 6 years. He has dedicated many a long day and night to the program and always had his teams well prepared for Sundays and beyond.

2014 - Tyler Hutt

 Each season the Victor Blue Devil Youth Football and Cheerleading board of directors has selected a member of our community to be honored for their contribution to our program. We look to recognize someone who has dedicated themselves to the success of our program beyond any personal gratification. Someone who has made a positive impact in the experience for the participants they have encountered. This season, we posthumously honor Tyler Hutt.

 Tyler was a member of our football program from C team through A team football. He was the ultimate team player. He worked hard, accepted whatever position coach needed him to play. This usually involved the glamorous offensive defensive line. Tyler played his position proudly and embodied the spirit of sportsmanship. Gladly accepting and playing his position the best, he possibly could.

 After Tyler’s playing days carried him to VCS, he was actively involved in our program as a youth coach. Tyler was a member of Kurt Albers coaching staff. That alone was a distinction. Tyler became a role model to the kids he helped coach including his brother Parker.

 Alongside Tyler, during his journey through the Victor Saints and Blue Devils were his parents, Duane, and Kris. Kris was the ultimate team mom. She was always first on scene whenever something was needed. Duane, an assistant coach, was a fixture with Tyler. The ultimate Father and Son relationship carried out on our fields. Duane would often make an example of Tyler’s “great speed” and there would be good natured back and forth. Through all of this a great bond of love and friendship that can often be seen from many of our coaches and their kids today.

  Unfortunately, Tyler’s time with us was too brief. We lost him on August 10, 2014. His memory will always remain, and his legacy will continue to be a role model for our youth.  We honor Tyler with an award in his name. We will tell his story and shine his example for seasons to come.

On behalf of the Victor Jr. Blue Devils Board of Directors, please join us to recognize our 2014 Victor Jr. Blue Devil Youth Football and Cheerleading Hall of Fame honoree Tyler Hutt.

2013 - David Gleason

There are crucial people to the program and there are people the program could not survive without and then there is Dave Gleason. Years of tireless dedication only begin to tell the story. Starting of as a helper assistant Coach Dave eventually worked his way up and took on the role of President and led the program for many years. And it dd not stop there – Dave, with the help of others, founded the RYFC, the league we still are a part of today with the intention of improving safety for all participants and offering a league that was more about the kids than the wins and losses.

Dave has been involved in Victor Blue Devils Youth Football and cheer for at least the past 10 seasons (although none of us know the exact number……this shows you how much of a staple he is for this program).  As the President of our program, Dave puts in tireless and rewarding hours, year after year.  He is at every football and cheer practice. All day at football games and all day at cheer competitions.  He works concessions, cleans up stands, announces games, cheers on the kids, works security at cheer competitions, actively participates in the AYFCL board, leads the VBDYFC board, hosts the AYFCL Championships, and the list goes on and on.  He motivates all of us to always put the kids first.  He might be a “behind the scenes” individual but he has a strong presence when it comes to the kids and making sure we all remember why we are here, volunteering our time to create the best learning environment for our children. 

Dave takes great pride not in the wins of each team, but in the character the organization, coaches and parents have built in our children and their teams.  Win or lose, Dave always reminds us it is about learning and fun for the children.  As a result, we believe our organization is stronger for the contributions Dave makes to the program.  He is our backbone, and he is greatly appreciated.  Dave would never nominate himself for this Hall of Fame recognition, like all our other great HOF Inductees, as he is not here for himself, he is here for the kids of the program. With this being said, we are surprising Dave with this recognition, and we could not be happier about it! 

Thank you, Dave Gleason, for everything you have done for all our children over the past decade!  It is a great honor to work with you and to have our children participate in a program that you care so deeply about!  It is with great honor that we induct Dave Gleason into the 2013 VBDYFC Hall of Fame.  

Dave’s guidance is still present today – bringing his total time involved in the program directly or as called upon to almost 20 years – that is a lot of time and the program is so much more the better for it!

2013 – Mike Russell

Mike Russell was involved in the Victor Jr Blue Devils Football program as a coach for 7 seasons as a head coach at all levels of the program. Coach Mike always refers to his teams as gentlemen and always treats them like family.

He has also been instrumental in supporting the program both financially and publicly. He was a tremendous help in securing donations from Tambe Electric, whose practice jerseys are still in use today, almost 10 years later!

The program was greatly impacted by Mike’s time and commitment over the year and his inclusion into the Jr Blue Devils Hall of Fame is well deserved!

2012 - Kurt Kumpf and Pete Varone

For the past 10 seasons the Victor Blue Devil Youth Football and Cheerleading board of directors has selected a member of our community to be honored for their contribution to our program. We look to recognize someone who has dedicated themselves to the success of our program beyond any personal gratification, someone who has volunteered their time to our program. A person who has gone above and beyond to make a difference in the experience for our participants. This season it became clear that there were two individuals who were deserving of this honor. On behalf of the Victor Blue Devils Youth Football and Cheerleading board of directors we are pleased to welcome into our hall of fame, 2012 Inductees Coaches Pete Varone and Kurt Kumpf.

Kurt Kumpf played youth football in Victor from 1974-1981, playing for the then Victor Saints. Kurt came back to our program 5 years ago as an assistant coach. He has also been a sponsor of our program and long a promoter of Victor youth football and cheer.

Pete Varone began coaching for us in 2008 as an assistant coach at the C level. Pete stepped up to a Head Coach in 2009, leading our youth to a championship in 2009 and 2010. In 2011 Pete’s character was displayed as despite his son’s season ending injury in a preseason scrimmage, Pete remained committed to the team and the season. The Varone family has also been a loyal supporter of our program.

It is fitting these two men are inducted together as they have been alongside each other along the way. These men were supporters of our A team early on this season and were willing to assistant coach long before they knew of their sons’ commitment. They both have stepped up as the season progressed, Pete taking over the team when we needed him as our head coach and Kurt spearheading our defense and linemen. It is because of these individuals that our A team has learned to believe in themselves and enjoyed a successful season.

On behalf of Victor Youth Football and Cheerleading, we thank Pete and Kurt for their endless time, passion, and commitment to our program. We are pleased to induct Kurt and Pete to our Hall of Fame.

2010 - Patti Rodbourn-Rhone

For the past 8 seasons the Victor Blue Devil Youth Football and Cheerleading board of directors has selected a member of our community to be honored for their contribution to our program. We look to recognize someone who has dedicated themselves to the success of our program beyond any personal gratification. Someone who has made a positive impact in the experience for the participants they have encountered. On behalf of the Victor Blue Devils Youth Football and Cheerleading program we are pleased to welcome into our hall of fame, 2010 inductee Patti Rodborn-Rhone.

 Patti has been involved in this organization since 1999.  From the Victor Saints and the Black and Gold, to today’s Blue Devils and the Blue, Gold and White. Patti has been a parent, coach, cheer director and mentor. Patti served our youth as Cheer Director for the Saints for 3 years. Cheer director for the Finger Lakes Youth Football League for close to four years.  She was a Head cheer coach for our Blue Devils for another 2 years. She now remains a familiar face on our practice fields and sidelines as a mentor to her daughter Taylor who has stepped into mom’s footsteps. Patti has and continues to touch the lives of Victor’s cheerleaders.

 Patti has put in endless hours of planning and choreography. Soothed the bumps, and bruises of most of Victor’s cheerleaders. She continues to be a positive role model in our community.

In recognition of continued dedication to the Victor Youth Football and Cheerleading program we present to our Hall of Fame, Patti Rodbourn-Rhone.

2009 - Dr. Michael Young

This year’s Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. Michael Young, has been an integral part of the program for the past seven years.  He began with the organization in the unofficial but all too familiar role of “pacing sideline parent” when his son entered the football program in 2003 and joined the board in 2004 as Football Equipment Manager. The following season he stepped up to the Football Director position and brought to this role a firm belief in our need to eventually become a feeder program for the school teams. As such he began to forge a relationship with Mr. Ron Whitcomb, our AD, and Coach Jim Haugh and his staff that is now as strong as it has ever been.  It was in this vein that he also took an active role in transforming what was then known as the “Victor Saints” into the Youth version of the “Victor Blue Devils.” 

Over the past two years, Mike has led this organization through the most significant changes in its history, as our President.  Thanks to Mike’s vision, courage, and leadership, we were successful in expanding our program, and as a result we have become an organization that is willing and able to accommodate the interests and needs of our rapidly growing community.

Mike was not only instrumental in adding two teams to the program. He spent countless hours with the Finger Lakes Youth League leaders, ultimately convincing them that the growth of Victor’s program was good for their league.  A year later, when it became clear that their path and ours were no longer aligned, Mike facilitated our exit from the FLYFCL and our entry into the American Youth Football and Cheerleading League (AYFCL) for this season which, from the looks of things so far, is an exceptionally good fit for Victor both on the field and in the board room.

A leader is ultimately tested amid change, and under Mike’s guidance the program has certainly endured some drastic changes. Mike has led us through each of them with flying colors. He has indeed passed the test!

We feel honored to work with such a strong, fair, and compassionate leader and we want to thank him for his efforts on behalf of the community and its children. In addition, we would like to thank Mike’s wife, Kim, his son, Conner, and his daughter Allison, for sharing so much of his time and allowing us to benefit from Mike’s presence in our organization.

We could think of no better way to express our gratitude to Mike, and to his family, than to elect Dr. Michael Young to the Victor Blue Devils’ Youth Hall of Fame, Class of 2009.   

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.  He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent."--Anonymous.

2008 - Jeff Salsburg

2007 - Karen DiGuiseppe

2006 - Brian "Sam" Samoriski

2005 - Nick and Kathy Cretekos

2004 - Dave Bardwell

2003 - Gary and Jan Veomett

2002 - St. Patrick's Church

(One of the original sponsors of the program and a steadfast part of our community.)