MacArthur football players react to coach's abrupt decision to step down
Former MacArthur football coach Bobby Fehrenbach looks on during a 7-on-7 football scrimmage on July 13, 2026 in Wantagh. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
The gravity of the moment was not lost on MacArthur quarterback Vinny Szucs. The two-year captain listened as his coach Bob Fehrenbach informed the team Monday he was stepping away from the program and into retirement.
It was the first day of practice and Szucs, in his third year of varsity, said he was shocked at Fehrenbach's announcement.
“He’s the greatest coach,” Szucs said at Tuesday's Nassau County football media day. “I went over to him to speak privately afterward. I told him it was a pleasure and privilege to play for him these past two years. And we’ll miss him.”
Szucs was just one of many players who shared their feelings with Newsday. For more reactions, check out Gregg Sarra's full story here: https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/football/macarthur-bob-fehrenbach-x1esc1rw.
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
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