Jordan Panucci is used to a hard day's work. He teaches history at Fitch High School and spends his summer working for Groton Parks & Recreation department.

Panucci accepted another job Tuesday when he was named Fitch's new football coach after five years as an assistant.

"I work year round," Panucci said. "I've been doing the strength and conditioning stuff. I'm with the guys three days a week, and in the summer four days a week, and honestly it's my therapy; my stress relief."

"Sometimes it gets tiring (in the summer). It's hot, but mentally, there's no better therapy for me."

Panucci, 26, played offensive guard for the Falcons and was a captain during his senior year. He played for Mike Emery, who retired this winter, and current Ledyard coach Jim Buonocore.

"Coach Panucci brings a young, enthusiastic approach to the program and has developed an outstanding rapport with our student-athletes," Fitch athletic director Marc Romano said in a release. "Jordan has the same vision and goals that we have begun to implement here at Fitch High School, which is to develop our student-athletes into successful young men through hard work , dedication and accountability."

Panucci spent the past two seasons helping run the defense with Greg Chambers and Mike Scott. He said that Emery was one of his biggest coaching influences.

"He knew I wanted to get involved in teaching," Panucci said. "I started with him during my senior year at UConn during the summer. I'd help out with strength and conditioning and would work with the kids every day. I'd come home every weekend (during the fall) and would be up in the box with coach (Bob) Weiss, watching him call the defense. I soaked up as much as I could."

Panucci also credited Mike Campbell, Ken Wood and Chambers among his other influences.

"A bunch of Fitch guys," Panucci said. "What's good about Chambers is that he grew up in the same position I did. He went to school, came back and knows what the kids are all about. He knows exactly where they're coming from."

Panucci said most of the staff will be returning and he's talked to some others about joining. He and assistant Andrew Berggren have already been discussing the offense.

"He's just been monumental," Panucci said. "He and I have been knocking our heads together working on the offense. There'll be a few new things with it related to what we've been doing (the double wing).

n.griffen@theday.com