[1] Valpey enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1934, where freshman football coach Wally Weber moved him to the end position.
[1] Valpey played end for the 1935, 1936 and 1937 Michigan Wolverines football teams coached by Harry Kipke.
[4] He was next hired in April 1940 to serve as the head football coach and athletic director at Midland High School, where he remained for three years.
[6] Under Valpey's tutelage, both of Michigan's starting ends Bob Mann and Len Ford were selected as second- and third-team All-Americans for the 1947 season.
When Valpey announced in February 1950 that he had accepted the head coaching job at the University of Connecticut, The Harvard Crimson wrote the following about Valpey:"There was every reason for him to go to Connectient: his contract was due to run out next fall, he was faced with a schedule which is sure to produce few victories; and in that situation, the Provost could not be expected to guarantee a contract renewal at this early date.
Art Valpey has managed to build up, through a fairly dismal two year period, a respect and affection in associates that has been remarkable.