After 45 years, Coach Vito Capizzo gets his day

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GALVIN Coach Vito Capizzo and his wife Barbara enjoy the newly dedicated stadium and the festivities on Sunday. Cheers were heard coming from Nantucket's Burnham N. Dell Jr. Field Sunday, September 6, 2009, a day the Board of Selectmen proclaimed "Coach Vito Capizzo Day".

For 45 years, retired Coach Vito Capizzo, a teacher, coach and mentor to thousands of Nantucket's youth, showed prowess on the gridiron. Hundreds of supporters, former players, parents, opposing coaches and Capizzo relatives, showed Whaler pride lining the football field fence and filling the stands of "Vito Capizzo Stadium".

Whaler cheerleaders chanted "Coach Capizzo you're our coach" as programs were handed out with the quintessential Coach Capizzo picture in the stadium, football field in the background, Nantucket Whaler hat on, pipe in mouth and clip board in hand.

Nantucket's "Voice of the Whalers," Dick Herman, opened with personal anecdotes, followed by brother Frank Capizzo, who thanked Coach Capizzo's wife Barbara and son Scott for making it possible for his brother to devote so much time and effort to the school.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GALVIN Cape and Islands State Representative Tim Madden congratulates Dr. John O'Neill, superintendent of schools from 1979- 1990, attended almost every Whaler football game.

"I enjoyed many years attending games watching the master at work," he said.

Beau Almodobar, teacher, football coach and 1980 captain of Nantucket's first Super Bowl championship team, credited Coach Capizzo with inspiring him to follow in his footsteps.

"Vito inspired students to be the best they could be and taught that good things come to those who work hard. Sport was a metaphor for life and winning was not everything, though I thought he was crazy about that at the time. He prepared us to be successful in life. Be your best, not better than anyone else, as that is a waste of time." Almodobar added that "above all I am proud, honored and privileged to know Vito … most of all, as my friend."

Coach Capizzo's successor John Aloisi, a former player, recently moved back to Nantucket to teach. "I have big shoes to fill. I love the job, but do not intend to stay for 45 years. I could be wrong. I want to congratulate him on his tremendous success and accomplishments including League championships and 25 consecutive winning seasons." He concluded by saying that "what Vito has done for the students and community will not be replicated. I hope to build a bridge from the success of the past to the hope of the future. I am humbled to be his successor."

After the ceremony Coach Aloisi was still overwhelmed by the event. "There is a real sense of history today. It really hit home, when I was standing out there speaking, what I was actually taking on. We will move forward now with positive momentum."

Speeches were followed by presentations of plaques and citations by the State House of Representatives, the MIAA, and the Mayflower League. Dr. Tim Lepore, Nantucket School Committee chairman and team doctor for over 20 years, officially dedicated the stadium.

"The community appreciates your service to the youth of Nantucket and the enduring positive influence and impact you had on the lives of students. The dedication of the stadium is a lasting tribute for all times to your sweat and tears on behalf of the young people of Nantucket," said Lepore.

Nantucket Athletic Director Chris Maury concluded the comments. "I was one of the fortunate ones to have been able to play for Vito 42 years ago as a young student. I am the parent of three student athletes. He hired me as a coach and then as AD. I want to add my personal congratulations and thanks for being so supportive of the entire family." He presented one last football trophy to commemorate 45 years with the football program with 293 wins and three super bowl championships out of the 10 trips.

Dennis Caron, a fellow coach for 38 years, came forward. "Vito's legacy will live on forever…as you taught character building to help build productive members of society, it is only fitting to send you and Barbara home to Sicily." Friends of Coach Capizzo have given him and Barbara a trip to his native Sicily, which he left as a young boy with his mother, only to end up on Nantucket. He has never been back since.

Coach Capizzo was clearly speechless. However, in typical "Vito-style" he kept his remarks short and sweet. "Thanks for coming. Thanks to the Booster Club in particular. Thanks to all the supporters. I wanted them to not hire anyone older and uglier than me and they didn't. In 1964, there were more dogs on the field then people. We have come a long way. Thank God I did not end up at Nantasket where I thought I was going in 1964."

After wards, as Coach Capizzo was swarmed he had a moment to reflect. "I only found this out a few weeks ago. It is unbelievable about the trip. I do not know what to say, I was stunned. I feel honored. It will no longer be football, football, football, but golf, garden, and wife."

At the gathering "Vito" stories could be heard in every corner. The common threads running throughout the formal presentations and the casual conversations were inspiration, dedication and humor. Humor infuses any conversation with Coach Capizzo no matter the subject matter. That will be missing most from the sidelines as the football program goes forward.

Donations in Coach Capizzo's name may be made to the school's "user fee" fund as he believes that no child who wants to play should be left out. Contact Athletic Director Chris Maury or the Booster Club to make a donation. I