Although Mr. Finter has only been teaching here at Victor for a few years, he has already become a student favorite. Growing up in a household where the New York Mets were a frequently discussed topic, it was no surprise that athletics played a major role in shaping his interests and future career.

While most students know Mr. Finter as a math teacher, his path to education was not always clear. He originally attended college with plans to study engineering. During his third year, however, he switched his major to math and teaching. Before switching his major, coaching became his first real exposure to teaching, helping him realize that working with students in an educational setting was something he enjoyed.

Currently in his seventh year of coaching, Mr. Finter never expected coaching to become such an important part of his career. He is currently the varsity football offensive and defensive line coach as well as girls’ flag football, using his athletic background to connect with students. Having played football since seventh grade, he believes that experience helps him, “…Understand what’s going on in an athlete’s head. It’s always reminder that the athletes are still students.” He often describes teaching as coaching in the classroom, emphasizing guidance, motivation, and accountability.

The spring 2025 season marked the inaugural season for the Victor Girls Varsity Flag Football program. While Mr. Finter already had coaching experience with boys varsity football, he explained that flag football presents different challenges. Because the sport is still relatively new, there is more “Guess work” involved compared to the established boys varsity program. Despite this, Mr. Finter has embraced the challenge and continues to help develop the growing program.