AHS grad Alley goes home

Thursday marked a new era for the Albemarle High School football program, as athletic director Deb Tyson introduced one of the school’s own as coach at a press conference. Mike Alley, a 1984 graduate, was announced earlier this week as the successor to interim coach Wendell Green and was relieved to assume his new role.

“I’m really excited about this position at Albemarle High School,” said Alley, who donned a red, white and blue AHS cap for the occasion. “I never would’ve expected that I would be here, and I just feel like doors were opened. I can’t explain it to you, but I know that it’s the right move for me.”

Alley has worn his share of hats during his 14 years in coaching, and is no stranger to fresh beginnings. The Randolph-Macon College grad was an assistant under former Patriots coach Rick Vrhovac, and was also a member of the Western Albemarle staff under Warriors coaches John Berlin and Billy Haun.

Alley has head coaching experience as well, as he held the clipboard at the Blue Ridge School for three years. His most recent stop was an assistant position this past season alongside William Monroe first-year football coach Mark Sanford.

Both William Monroe and Albemarle struggled to 0-10 seasons, and when Alley took the job at Blue Ridge, he took over for a team that garnered only a pair of wins the previous season.

Alley, who is also a youth minister in Greene County and served as chaplain for the University of Virginia’s football team, has a positive outlook and is eager to make the transition into his new role.

“We turned the program around [at Blue Ridge],“ explained Alley, when asked about taking over for a team that hasn’t experienced a lot of success of late.

Alley is fortunate to have spent last season at Monroe, because he feels that the transition will be a familiar one.

“I think it was a great experience because the situation is very similar,” Alley admitted. “For a program to go 0-10 — I don’t know what the issues were here, I wasn’t here — but all I know is that character can take care of a lot of things, and I’m going to work hard to make sure that we turn this program around.”

Tyson praised Green, who took over as interim coach after Vrhovac’s departure two seasons ago, and his staff for their commitment and dedication. At the same time, she is ecstatic to have a permanent, established coach to walk the sidelines at Albemarle Field for years to come. There is a possibility that Green could remain on Alley’s staff, but the new coach is content with a one-thing-at-a-time approach.

“We are thrilled to welcome coach Alley into the Patriot football family,” Tyson said. “There is no doubt that his qualities as both an experienced coach and outstanding individual will combine to inject a new energy into our program. We have been so impressed by his vision, enthusiasm and leadership style and we look forward to seeing how his influence will propel and mold the Albemarle football program.”

Alley created relationships with Virginia student-athletes such as current wideout Jared Green and former favorite Cedric Peerman during his time with the Cavalier program, and can’t wait to start mentoring his new players. The coach planned on meeting the majority of the varsity squad after the conference, many of whom enjoyed success on the junior varsity squad last year.

“I’m really pumped up inside, I’m excited. It’s just kind of like Christmas and you have a big old gift there but you can’t open it up yet, and that’s how I feel about this position and about the boys here,” said Alley.

Alley’s 14-year-old son, Peyton, grew up in Greene County and is a current member of the William Monroe JV baseball team. Alley, an assistant on the baseball team, will remain in Greene until school ends in June, but plans to make as many trips to Albemarle as possible in an effort to familiarize himself with his new squad and coaches.

Alley explained how bittersweet the move is, but is confident that he made the right decision.

“I’m glad I’m here,” he said. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I love Albemarle High School.”