Director of Athletics, Mr. Tota Shares His Vision

River Dell High School is entering a new chapter in its Physical Education and Athletics programs under the leadership of Mr. Tota, the newly appointed Director of Athletics. With over 25 years of experience in River Dell sports and a deep connection to the community, Mr. Tota is also a long-time resident of River Edge, Mr. Tota brings both passion and purpose to his new role.

His goals for this year are ambitious and clearly defined. He’s outlined six key priorities for the district:

Promote Athletic Excellence and Integrity
Recruit, Develop, and Retain Exceptional Coaches
Enhance Community and Alumni Engagement
Build a Positive and Competitive Environment
Take Personal Ownership of River Dell’s Success
Establish River Dell as a Premier Host Site in New Jersey

“The goal is to make River Dell athletics a presence in the community starting with our young athletes and build the River Dell Pride from the ground up,” Tota said.

Not only has Mr. Tota taken over the role of overseeing all of RD athletics, he also supervises the physical education department.

In the classroom, Mr. Tota emphasizes the importance of developing lifelong healthy habits. His approach to Physical Education incorporates physical, mental, and emotional health, along with social-emotional learning. “We want to empower students to live a healthy, active lifestyle,” he explained.

“Our goal is movement-based learning,” he added, ensuring that all students, even those who aren’t involved in competitive sports, benefit from staying active.

Mr. Tota’s decision to take on this leadership role was deeply personal. “I have been involved in River Dell Athletics for over twenty-five years and have lived in the community for over twenty,” he shared. “When the job became open, I wanted to make sure that RD Athletics continues to be one of the best athletic programs in the state.”

With a clear vision, strong leadership, and a deep-rooted connection to the school, Mr. Tota is poised to guide River Dell Athletics and Physical Education into a future full of pride, progress, and possibility.

As the new head of the Physical Education Department and Athletic Director, Mr. Tota has quickly made a strong impression on staff and students alike. Known for his hands-on leadership and deep knowledge of coaching, Mr. Tota is already earning praise for his smooth transition into the role and his commitment to maintaining the department’s high standards.

Mr. Iafrate, a physical education teacher for seven years here at RD, shared his confidence in Mr. Tota’s leadership. “I’ve known Mr. Tota for a few years and feel like he has done a great job in such a short time,” he said.

“Our department and athletics haven’t missed a beat since he took over.” Mr. Iafrate emphasized that Mr. Tota’s ability to trust his staff and let teachers teach and coaches coach is one of his greatest strengths.

Physical Education teacher and RD alumna, Mrs. Nolan praised Tota’s dedication to collaboration.  “He isn’t trying to do everything himself; he wants to empower the department as a whole.”

While some might expect a major shift in leadership style, both educators noted that Mr. Tota is building on the strong foundation left by his predecessor, Mr. Nelson. “They are both very easygoing and knowledgeable,” said Mr. Iafrate. “Mr. Tota took the job and ran with it.”

Mrs. Nolan expressed optimism about the future, noting Mr. Tota’s “big-picture ideas” and “drive for high standards.”  She believes his forward-thinking approach will lead to exciting new projects and improvements.

As the school year continues, students and staff can expect a department that remains focused, energized, and open to innovation. With Mr. Tota at the helm, the Physical Education program is in capable hands—and ready to grow.