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Vivo

By Matthew Peaslee

mpeaslee@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown City Schools have named one of their own to lead the only public high school football program in the city.

Jim Vivo, who led Ursuline to a state championship in 2000 and last coached at Chaney in 2010, will assume the head coaching role at East High for the 2012 season.

Vivo, a Chaney graduate, replaces Brian Shaner, who spent five years with East. The Panthers finished 3-7 in 2011 with wins over Liberty, Barberton and Struthers.

Superintendent Dr. Connie Hathorn said five candidates were interviewed, two of which held teacher’s licenses. That was a primary requirement for the vacant coaching position.

Hathorn also said that Vivo held the highest level of experience in academic standing.

Unanimously, Vivo was voted through by board members with seven votes of “yes.” He will step down from his current role as assistant principal at Chaney.

“I don’t want my assistant principal taking time away from academics by going to the football field and missing [meetings],” Hathorn told the committee.

Vivo holds six years of head coaching experience, while compiling a record of 40-25.

His record in Chaney’s final season was 1-9. The Cowboys’ athletic program was dropped at the beginning of this school year.

Eleven years ago, Vivo pioneered Ursuline to a 14-1 season and Division IV championship in 2000 — its first state title. Vivo was head coach at Ursuline for three years.