CASTLETON, Vt. – Vermont State University Director of Athletics Tim Barrett announced Thursday that head football coach Tony Volpone will be stepping down from his post following the conclusion of the academic year.
 
"Tony has been a strong leader for the Castleton football team over the last 10 years and we are thankful for the tireless effort he put forth for the betterment of the program," said Barrett. "He has helped mold hundreds of young men into better football players, better students, and better people. Tony has been a great representative for Castleton over the years and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors."
 
Volpone steps away from the program as VTSU Castleton football's all-time winningest coach, amassing 41 wins in nine seasons with a 30-25 record in Eastern Collegiate Football Conference play. His teams were also successful in the classroom, setting multiple program-high marks in honorees for ECFC All-Academic Teams and the National Football Foundation's Hampshire Honor Society.
 
"For nearly 25 years I have made the development of other young men my priority; at this time, I need to focus on the development of myself and the young men in my family," said Volpone. "I want to thank my wife Aida who made my time here at Castleton possible. I also want to thank the members of the Castleton community, the administration, past and present coaches and players, and the countless Castleton family members we have worked with."
 
The Spartans stacked up numerous conference awards during his tenure, winning seven major awards from the ECFC: three Offensive Linemen of the Year, two Defensive Players of the Year, one Offensive Player of the Year and one Rookie of the Year.
 
In total, 88 student-athletes earned All-ECFC honors under Volpone, with 32 on the First Team, 36 on the Second Team, and 20 Honorable Mentions. He had five All-Region honorees during his time as head coach, with one All-American in that span. Additionally, a number of former players continued their football careers professionally following their career with Castleton, moving on to a variety of leagues around the globe.
 
Vermont State University Interim President Dave Bergh thanked Coach Volpone for his dedication to Castleton and its players, noting, "Coach Volpone was a terrific leader for Vermont State University Castleton football. He lives and shows our shared values of integrity, collaboration, student success, and continuous improvement through his dedication to his players and his community. We wish him the best as he begins his next chapter."
 
Effective immediately, Defensive Coordinator and Spartan alum Tyler Higley has been elevated to Interim Head Coach. Higley has served as a member of Castleton's football staff for five years and also had a stint at Western New England University as the Defensive Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator.
 
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this program that means so much to me," said Higley. "I want to thank Tim Barrett and the administration for the chance to guide this program into its next chapter. The program had a strong non-traditional season this spring and I have great confidence in this group as we move forward into the 2024 season."