In 2021 the Vestal Golden Bears football program will be under new leadership.

Vestal has hired James Crunden to take over as their Head Varsity Football Coach. A graduate of SUNY Cortland and West Virginia University, Crunden has been a Physical Education teacher in the school district for 29 years. He’s been a coach in the Golden Bears football program for 28 years, most recently spending time with the modified team. He’s also served as a coach for a number of Vestal’s other athletic teams over the years including softball, baseball, volleyball and bowling. 

“It’s really a dream come true,” says Crunden. “A check mark on the bucket list, however you want to put it, is really a great honor. I’ve been with the district for a while so it seemed like a good time to take the step and we’re just looking for some good things.” 

Vestal also announced that Matt Davis has been named as the Varsity Football Assistant Coach. Davis is a Class of 2000 Vestal graduate. He was a member of the Golden Bears 1997 State Championship Football team. He’s the program’s All-Time leading rusher and was named All-State. He was also an All-Conference football player in college at St.John Fisher. He currently is a teacher in the Hancock Central School District. 

“It’s great I feel like I’m back home,” says Davis. “I was a part of the 1997 championship team and I think I can bring that energy and passion back to the program. It’s awesome being back in Vestal, I’m very excited about it.”

Vestal’s football team finished 4-2 during the 2021 spring season.