The Belmont Hill School football team was picked to finish in the bottom tier of the highly competitive Independent School League (ISL) this season.
But head coach Anthony Fucillo stunned opposing ISL programs by leading his Belmont Hill team (7-1) to the league championship and a hosting berth in the Danny Smith Bowl Game Saturday (1 p.m.) versus Deerfield Academy in Belmont.
Can you say “shoo-in” for ISL Coach of the Year honors for first-year head coach Anthony Fucillo?
Anthony’s success is not surprising for those who have followed the Fucillo family’s remarkable coaching legacy in high school football. Anthony’s father, Tony Fucillo, who is an assistant coach on the Belmont Hill staff, is an inductee in the Mass. State Coaches Hall of Fame in recognition of his brilliant career at Winthrop High. Anthony’s uncle, Rich Fucillo, was the Vikings’ incomparable line coach during the Tony Fucillo Era. Also add in cousin, Vinnie Eruzione, who was a part of the magical run to bak-to-back Super Bowls for Winthrop. Meanwhile, Anthony’s younger brother, James Fucillo, a Vikings’ Super Bowl championship quarterback (who saved the day with an interception versus Masconomet in the state semifinals), is carrying on the Winthrop coaching tradition as a member of Jon Cadigan’s current staff. And to be fair, the Fucillo athletic story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Anthony’s sister, Jenny Fucillo Golic, one of Winthrop’s greatest all-time track athletes who went on compete at prestigious Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
Tony Fucillo is understandably proud of his son’s instant success at Belmont Hill following his collegiate coaching stops at Harvard, Amherst, and Stonehill.
“I’m really happy and proud to work with Anthony (who is also the BHS assistant athletic director) and the other coaches who are dedicated teachers on campus and really involved and really dedicated to the football program,” said Tony Fucillo, who is coaching the wide receivers, punters, and placekickers. “Anthony had high expectations for the program when he took the job. We have some really fine football players, and the league has some really good football players. We’re excited about earning a spot in the bowl game.”
Anthony Fucillo also serves as the offensive coordinator for the Belmont Hill School team.
“He’s just a great teacher of the game of football,” said Tony Fucillo, adding fatherly, “He was my water boy at Winthrop and now he’s my boss.”
And on Saturday, Anthony Fucillo will pursue that elusive bowl victory that eluded him as a phenomenal quarterback and captain at Winthrop High School who went on to excel at Tufts University.