MANCHESTER – West High School head football coach Andrew Provencher was selected the New Hampshire coach of the year in voting on SI.com.
With 60,000 votes cast in the online poll, Provencher – who just completed his second season as head coach – received 35% of the vote. Provencher has overseen a significant turnaround for the Blue Knights, with the team last year competing in its first playoff game since 2007.
“It’s an honor and privilege to lead the student athletes of Manchester West's football team,” Provencher said. “We are so fortunate to have outstanding support from Principal Dichard, Athletic Coordinator Cotter, our amazing coaching staff and the entire West Side community. Our student athletes continue to impress us in the classroom and on and off the field. We are all looking forward to what these amazing young men and women will do next! Go Blue Knights!"
The 2024 season was one to remember for West both on and off the field. In addition to its playoff run, the Blue Knights were one of 16 finalists for T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest. While the team did not win the top prize, they earned a $25,000 grant to be used for locker room and weight room improvements.
“This is a great recognition of the work that Coach Provencher and all of the Blue Knights have put in to bring the program back into prominence,” said Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel. “It’s been thrilling to see the excitement return for football, and the Turkey Bowl matchup between West and an equally resurgent Memorial was a perfect end to the season. We’re excited to see what next season brings.”
District Athletic Director Christine Pariseau-Telge said that Provencher’s work and involvement is setting the program up for long-term success.
“Coach Provencher has been a wonderful addition to the coaching staff at West,” Pariseau-Telge said. “Not only a force on the field, he is a mentor and ally for his athletes off the field. His feeder program and community involvement sets his team up for success well into the future. We’re looking forward to many years with him at the helm.”
West Principal Richard Dichard said that Provencher’s commitment to the students and the program is clear.
“Andrew is deeply dedicated to the success of every student athlete and understands the importance of the football program to this community,” Dichard said. “We are extremely lucky to have him as our head coach.”