Actions

Ryan Kopacsi leaving ‘The Peppas’ after 18 years at VCU

Posted at 10:23 PM, Jun 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-21 11:04:58-04

RICHMOND, Va. — The charismatic leader of VCU’s pep band ‘The Peppas’ has announced he will leave the school after 18 years. Ryan Kopacsi made the announcement on Facebook Monday night after reports surfaced about his future with the school.

“I am so incredibly lucky to have had The Peppas in my life for 18 years now,” Kopacsi posted on his Facebook page. “Honestly the group has probably saved my life. I would be so lucky to think I could have impacted just one person the way the group has impacted me. Thank you Peppas. Thank you VCU. Thank you fans. Thank you critics. You have all played an important role in my maturation process.”

Kopacsi said he came to the decision after failed contract negotiations with VCU Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin.

“Me and the AD have discussed contracts for weeks and cannot agree on vision, trajectory, and time frame. I’m disappointed to say the least in the decision of the administration to sacrifice all of what The Peppas bring to our players, our fans, our university, and our city.

Under Kopacsi, The Peppas have become one of the most recognizable pep bands in the country and has helped VCU obtain one of the biggest home court advantages in college basketball.

VCU Athletics released a statement about Kopacsi’s departure that read in part:

“Ryan Kopacsi has chosen to not return as director of the school’s pep band, “The Peppas”. We did everything that we could to keep Ryan. He decided to leave on his own, but we appreciate his long service to VCU as he goes in a different direction with his life,” said VCU Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin.

McLaughlin said VCU will begin a search for a new pep band director immediately.

In August of 2013, Kopacsi announced he was leaving the school after a contract dispute, but after an outcry from VCU students, alumni and Rams fans, he was re-signed to a contract extension.

“I’m sorry it’s vague and I’m sorry it’s happening again,” Kopacsi posted on his Facebook page. “Just know that VCU is always in my heart and everything each one of you have given to me is not taken lightly or for granted. Thank you.”

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.