He has served as the high school’s head basketball coach for 35 years. Coach Rateau has been with Fluvanna County public schools since 1975 when he began his career as a health and physical education teacher. Coach Rateau has served the division in a number of capacities during his tenure including guidance counselor, athletic director, and coached football, baseball, girls’ basketball, golf, and boys’ basketball at FCHS, the press release stated.
In January of 2014, Rateau achieved his 500th win and finishes his tenure as the boys’ basketball coach with 525 wins. In eight appearances at the State Boys’ Basketball Tournament, his teams won two state championships and two runner-up honors along with numerous Regional and District titles. He was selected to coach three of the Virginia All-Star basketball games. During the 2015 season, Rateau earned the Virginia High School League Award of Merit. He has been nominated on two occasions for the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Coach of the Year Award for Basketball. Rateau’s colleagues valued his leadership skills selecting him as president of the Virginia High School Coaches Association (VHSCA) from 2006-2008.
“Coach Rateau is a class act. It has truly been an honor to have him as a coach of the Fluvanna County High School boys basketball. I will cherish the memories, excitement, and joy he has given us over the years. He is one of the best high school coaches I have known and I am thankful to have shared our time together,” stated James Barlow, Principal at Fluvanna County High School.
“Coach Rateau has touched the lives of many of our students. I have watched him create masterful basketball teams for many years, certainly more closely when I came to Fluvanna. I appreciate his years of service and genuinely wish him a wonderful and restful retirement,” stated Gena Keller, Superintendent, Fluvanna County Public Schools.”
On Thursday, March 31, at 2:30 p.m., the High School will formally recognize Coach Rateau for all of his service. The community is invited to attend.
