The rumors are true. Coach Blasé Iuliano, after stepping down from his 17-year head coaching position at Saratoga Springs High School, will be on the field this fall with the Union College Dutchmen.

John Audino, the head football coach at Union, stated Thursday, “With his experience, he can be a great asset for our team. Blasé Iuliano is a great person and a good football guy.”

Iuliano has already begun working with the team this spring in a volunteer capacity. He will not be taking the reigns of the Dutchmen program, but rather using his experience to help Audino and others improve on an already successful 2006 campaign (7-3 record).

“When Blasé retired, we’d talked for years about bringing him on staff. As a head coach, I feel very honored. We sat down [right away] and talked about what he can do and where he’ll fit in,” said Audino.

Currently Iuliano has been working with the defensive line and more specifically the defensive ends. Both coaches and players alike are excited about the knowledge and experience he bring to the table.

“The initial reaction from me and the kids is we’re all very aware of his success [in football] and we’re pleased to have him on board,” Audino said. “Everyone is very excited!”