September 13, 2024
A Winning Tradition: Coach Pettus Leads The Villages Buffalo with Passion and Purpose
By Kyle Coppola
A Winning Tradition: Coach Pettus Leads The Villages Buffalo with Passion and Purpose
Coach Richard Pettus has become a beloved and integral figure at The Villages, where he has dedicated over 20 plus years of leading the Buffalo football program. With a passion for the game and a genuine care for his players, Pettus has transformed the team into a respected force in Florida high school football.
As a wide receiver for Memphis State, now known as University of Memphis from 1985-1989, football and athletics are his life. Throughout his two decades of coaching, Pettus has not only focused on winning games but also on developing the character and work ethic of his players. Known for his positive attitude, unwavering support, and commitment to the community, he has guided countless young athletes, helping them succeed on and off the field.
(Coach Richard Pettus during a recent game against Rival Wildwood Middle High: Photo Credit – JOE OTT PHOTOGRAPY)
Under Coach Pettus’ leadership, The Villages Buffalo have earned numerous district titles, playoff appearances, and memorable victories including an undefeated regular season a few years ago in 2021. Pettus’ ability to connect with his players and instill confidence in them has created a family-like atmosphere within the team, where students feel encouraged to push their limits and strive for excellence.
Beyond football, Pettus’ contributions to The Villages extend to his involvement in the local community. He frequently participates in school events and is the athletic director of the school as well. He gives some very motivational talks, and mentors students beyond the football field. His dedication to shaping future leaders has made him a cherished figure not only for his players but for everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him including myself. He’s just a good person and you can’t help but appreciate what he has done for as long as he has.
(Coach Richard Pettus has been a leader at The Villages for over two decades. He even turned the lights on for the football program when it was just getting off the ground. Photo Credit – JOE OTT PHOTOGRAPY)
As Coach Pettus continues to lead The Villages football program, his legacy of success, mentorship, and community involvement grows stronger. The Villages opened up a brand new school last year which is among the best in the country both for academics and athletics. Coach Pettus also has a great coaching staff that have helped him through the past two decades, so a big shoutout to everyone involved including former players who are now coaches. The Buffalo are off to a strong start this season as coach Pettus and The Villages look to keep the momentum going.
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
