If necessary, Luke Garner doesn't ever hesitate to give his former head football coach Tom Falzone a call.

"If I were to call him now, he would take the time to talk to me," said the former Roughies' football and wrestling standout who is currently a freshman at East Stroudsburg University. "He is a coach, a mentor and a friend.

"He (Falzone) was always fair to everyone. If I or someone else didn't understand a play, he would take the time and make sure everyone understood. He was a great coach here and he is a good man in many ways."

Falzone recently resigned as head coach of the Roughies' football program to become the head football coach at Nazareth. He was approved by the Nazareth school board at their meeting Monday night.

The 1996 Catasauqua graduate, who went on to play at Lafayette College, compiled an overall 47-18 record over five years with two Colonial League titles and a District 11 crown. Most of his current coaching staff is expected to join him in Nazareth, where Falzone will teach and reside next fall.

Garner spent three years with Falzone, and during that time the teams went to a District 11 playoff game and two Eastern Conference playoff games. He was a bit startled by the move of his former coach.

"I was a little surprised when I heard and most people didn't see it coming," said Garner. "Coach Falzone created a solid foundation at Catty. I really hope it all works out for him. I know he worked out the best situation for him, his coaches, and his family.

"It is a move up for him, but he can sure handle it."

Senior quarterback Zac Bradley stated that he hasn't been affected yet by the announcement that was made by the coach to his players Thursday afternoon. Yet, Bradley understands how life moves on.

"He will always be my coach, no matter where he is," said Bradley, who was among a core of seniors that helped the team to a 19-1 Colonial League record the past two seasons. "I know it will be a big loss, but everyone wants the best for him and his family. It is a good move for him and people will have to deal with it.

"I just want him to be happy. The timing is right for him now. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to coach me. It was cool to share the last season with him."

Falzone also coached with head boys' basketball coach Eric Snyder the past five years. Snyder, who won his 300th game in the program this winter, watched Falzone grow and mature during his stay.

"Tom is an extremely hard worker, intense competitor, well organized, outstanding motivator, and always prepared," said Snyder, who coached Falzone. "He was great to work with. Tom is genuine, focused, and just an all-around great guy. He has always been very humble and has always been able to stay calm, cool, and collective in all situations."

As a player, Falzone began to exhibit those qualities that have left lasting positive impressions among many in the Lehigh Valley.

"Falzone was our backup center his sophomore and junior years and our starting center his senior year," recalled Snyder. "We were 22-2 his senior year, and went to the first round of states.

"He (Falzone) could really jump, blocked a lot of shots, and was a good scorer around the rim. He didn't have much range as a shooter, but he ran the court well and was an excellent rebounder. (Falzone) was very competitive and intense in a quiet way and was not outwardly emotional. He was always a quiet, unassuming leader."

Along with his success on the field, Falzone has also left his mark among his peers off the field.

"Most of all, Tom is a great father, husband, and son," added Snyder. "He often brought his two daughters and son to practice and they interacted and played with the kids on the team. Tom has always been a family man, first and foremost, and he will certainly be missed by the school and town."