Former North Haven football coach Gregory Volpe, who more recently was coach of the Hartford Knights and later the New England Knights (same team) was named the new coach at East Haven.

The East Haven Board of Education voted 7-0, with two abstentions, Tuesday to hire Volpe.

Volpe takes over for current school athletic director Mike Marone. The Easties have lost 21 straight games, with their last win coming on Thanksgiving over rival Branford in 2006.

Paul Sponheimer's personal choice to replace him as football coach at Seymour was finally made official on Monday.

Tom Lennon will take over head coaching duties for the Wildcats this fall. Lennon was the defensive coordinator for Sponheimer, who retired after 29 seasons and four state championships.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity," Lennon said. "I graduated from Seymour (in 1997), I played for Seymour. I graduated (from college) with a finance degree with all intentions of getting a job in the business world. When I was looking for my first job, I did some substitute teaching and coaching and I loved it so much. I had to be a teacher to be a coach. Being a Seymour Wildcat, and being involved in football, is all I've ever know."

Lennon, who is also the indoor and outdoor boys' and girls' track coach at the school, says Sponheimer has been a big influence.

"He's been great," Lennon said. "He's a large part of who I am as a person. Aside from my own parents and family, he's one of the most influential men in my life. Obviously, there are big shoes to fill but he'll be there to support me as I transition in."