The football program at the Apprentice School is known for its distinctive heritage, legendary coaches and some eventful upsets. All have helped shape its eight-decade history. Football has been a part of Apprentice School since 1919, except for a short hiatus in 1944 and 1945 during World War II when no teams were fielded. The program had a rousing start. The first five seasons produced an amazing record of 32-6-1. The 1920 team holds the school record for most points scored, surpassing its opponents 325-25 and blanking eight rivals en route to an 11-0-1 season.

Builders Football has had their share of renowned coaches. The most well known coach in the early years was Frank Dobson, a long-time major college coach and member of the University of Richmond's Hall of Fame. Coach Dobson led the team from 1940 - 1948 with a final record of 25-26-2, including the 7-6 upset of the University of Virginia in 1943.

Other coaching standouts include former William & Mary star end George Hefflin and 16-year National Football League quarterback Norm Snead. Snead enjoyed a 10-year reign over the Builder squad. He brought national attention to Apprentice School Athletics. In November 1977, both the Wall Street Journal and Newsday featured articles on Apprentice football. Snead ran up a school-best 40 victories against 41 losses and two ties. His best years were 1981 through 1983 with an impressive record of 21-4. Succeeding Snead in July of 1985, was former William & Mary assistant coach Phil Janaro. He led the team to an 8-2 record in 1988, the most successful season in recent history until last season. In the 90's, Builder football could be compared to a roller coaster ride - many ups and downs.

Paul Hoffmann, a former William & Mary lineman, coached the team from 1990 to 1997. Hoffmann's cumulative record of 31-39-3 puts him ahead of 40's coach Dobson as the third winningest coach in Builder history. Aubrey Kelly, a seasoned track and football coach, served as head coach for four seasons with his best coming in 2000 going 4-6.

Janaro returned to the Apprentice School in December of 2001 and has seen the record steadily improve with the 2006 season being one of the best in the last 20 years of Builder football when the team went 7-3 and finished in a tie for second place in the ACFC.

Michael Vite took over in March, 2008 as the new leader of Apprentice School football and will look to continue the consistency set forth by Janaro of Builder football.

Quick Facts

Location: Newport News, VA

Founded: 1919

Enrollment: 800

Director, Education & Workforce Development: Everett Jordan

Colors: Maroon & Gold

Nickname: Builders

Stadium: Apprentice Athletic Field (2,500)

2009 Record: 1-9, 0-3

Web Page: www.gobuilders.com

Address: 4101 Washington Ave. Bldg. 601

Newport News, VA 23607-2770

Phone Numbers

(all area codes are 757)

Athletic Director, Keisha Pexton, 688-6212

Football Coach, Michael Vite, 688-9454

Sports Information Director, Jim Heath: 688-4935

SID Fax: 688-3750

Football Press Box: 534-1478