2022 CONTRIBUTION TO AMATEUR

FOOTBALL TOM CAITO

 

 

Tom Caito is native Rhode Islander who attended Mount Pleasant High School. While at Mt. Pleasant, he was a three-sport athlete. Tom played football, competed in wrestling and track. Tom’s younger brothers, Phil and Bob also attended Mount Pleasant and continued the Caito tradition. During his senior year, he received a football scholarship to Boston University, along with RI Football Foundation Founder, Emo DiNitto as they were teammates for another four years. Tom was a three-year letterman while at Boston University. Most importantly, Tom graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and later completed his Masters Degree at BU. Although Tom ended his football career at BU, he was not ready to leave the playing field. He went on to play with the Providence Steamrollers for three years.

Tom’s coaching career began at Central High School in 1961. As the program began to generate enthusiasm, they had their breakout years in 1965 and 1966, culminating in an undefeated season in1966 winning the state title. Eight of his players received Division 1 scholarships. He was surrounded by a tremendous group of assistant coaches who he credits with helping him developing the program at Central. His staff included Jimmy Adams, Dick Zotti, Ray Gemma, and Anthony Caprio.

In 1968, Tom left Central for a coaching and teaching position at Holliston High School in Massachusetts. Once again, he was committed to building a program of excellence and pride both on and off the field. It took a year to build the program and by the second year they were well on our way to dominating the league and building a dynasty. In eight years, his teams captured four league championships, two undefeated seasons, a state championship and a Super Bowl victory. Thirteen of his Holliston players received Division 1 scholarship offers. His assistants were the core of their success; Paul Rowles, Jimmy Riley, Bill Curboy, and Steve Curley. Tom had several influences in his early coaching career, but his most influential person was John Petercuski Sr. John helped him develop his coaching style, practice planning and commitment to player development. He taught him every aspect of what it takes to be a successful coach. He was an incredible man with core values that made those around him want to be a better person. He was Holliston Pride and made me realize how important the football team was to the community.

After leaving Holliston, Tom I spent the next 18 years at Chelmsford High School. The league had a reputation of being one of the most difficult in the state and again he wanted to challenge his coaching philosophy. While at Chelmsford they won six league championships, four super bowls, and thirty-one of his players received Division 1 scholarships. His assistant coaches; Jack Fletcher, Bruce Rich, Tommy Sousa and Bobby Russo were unbelievable as coaches but were also dear friends.

In 1996, Tom took on a new venture in his coaching career which culminated his coaching career. Tom started the football program at Merrimack College. Tom advocated for facilities, scholarships and equipment while at Merrimack. Tom spent seven years at Merrimack and built them into a contender in the league each year. This past year Merrimack entered into their first year as a Division 1 FCS football program. Pat Graham, Frank DeFelice, and Sully all were critical in the growth of the program during his tenure at Merrimack

In 2002, Tom retired from teaching and coaching, shortly after that his youngest son, Michael passed away. Tom never thought he could step on the field again, but many dear friends helped him realize that he needed to be busy and around young people as he done his whole life. He credits his good friend, Paul Manganaro for helping him through some of the most difficult days of his life.  Tom is a member of both the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Coaches Hall of Fame. He compiled an overall record of 248 wins 75 losses and10 ties.

Tom and his wife Marguerite (Callanan) raised seven children. Tom is so appreciative of his wife and her incredible commitment in raising their children which allowed him to fulfill his dream of coaching. All of their children, Paul, John, Thomas, Michael, Alison, Leslie and Laura all earned athletic scholarships. His three daughters have made their mark as very successful field hockey coaches throughout the high school ranks.

 

 

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

 

1988 – Dr. Americo S. Savastano

1989 – Jack Cronin

1990 – Frank Maznicki

1991 – Dick Reynolds

1992 – Jack Zilly

1993 – Ambrose Smith

1994 – Steve Furness

1995 – John Huntington

1996 – Bernie Buonanno, Sr.

1997 – John Toppa

1998 – Domenic DiLuglio

1999 – Frank Navarro

2000 - Mark Whipple

2001 – Bob Griffin

2002 – Maurice Zarchen

2003 – Ron Petro

2004 – Chet O’Neill

2005 – Richard Lynch

2006 – Tony Centore

2007 – Bill Stringfellow

2008 – Mickey Kwiatkowski

2009 – Phil Estes

2010 – John Gillooly

2011 – Charlie Gibbons

2012 - Dick Downey

2013 - Robert "Bob" Wylie

2014 - Gregg Drew

2015 - Anthony "Tony" Rainone

2016 - Edward "Ted" Stebbins

2017 - Robert Murray

2018 - Domenic Marcone

2019 - James "Jim" Norman

 

 

 

 

2022 FOOTBALL OFFICIAL AWARD

DON FILONOW

 

 

Don Filonow was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI. In his playing football playing days as a youth, Don was part two RI Preteen Championships, in 1958 and 1959, where he was coached by his brother, and longtime coaching legend, Serge. Don graduated from Tolman High School, where he was a three-year starter on the football team playing under the legendary coach, Gig Pariseau. Upon his graduation from Tolman, Don attended Providence College and later did his graduate work at Rhode Island College. Don returned to his roots and spent thirty years as an English and Social Studies teacher in the Pawtucket School System. Don proudly served our country in the United States Army and is also a Vietnam Veteran.

In the early 1970’s, Don served as an assistant coach, under his brother with the Edgewood Eagles. The Eagles developed into a powerful youth football program throughout the state and region.

In 1974, Don began his officiating career doing youth games on weekends. After six years, in 1980, Don became a member of the Rhode Island Football Official’s Board. He officiated high school games for ten years before moving on to officiate college football in the ECAC conference from 1990-2000. Don was selected to officiate in one of the Division Two National Semifinal games during that time.

Don made his return to the high school ranks in 2001, and since that time, he has officiated in several playoff games as well as several Super Bowls in all divisions. Over the last nineteen years, Don has served on several mechanic and rules officiating committees. Today, Don continues to officiate high school games through the state.

Don has not only worked as a football official during his career, but was a high school Lacrosse official from 1990-2019 where he served as its’ president in 2004 and 2005.  Don umpired high school baseball for fifteen years as well.

Don and his wife Christine are the proud parents of three daughters.

 

 

 

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

 

1997 – Irving Scott

1998 – Peter Capirchio

1999 – George Tracy

2000 – Lou Cimini

2001 – Bob Benz

2002 – Vin Sclama

2003 – Thomas Mulvey

2004 – Clint Robertson

2005 – Ted Gilmartin

2006 – Phil Kershaw

2007 – Raymond Beattie

2008 – Charles Lehourites

2009 – Bob Flick

2010 – Edward “Bud” Conley

2011 – Philip “Bob” Caito

2012 - James Peluso

2013 - John Pagano

2014 - John A. Abbate

2015 - Edward Hanley

2016 - Joseph Schwab

2017 - William Phillips

2018 - Bruce Guindon

2019 - George M. (Ted) Tracy Jr.