Cappuccio commits to Boston University
By Cary Shuman
Nick Cappuccio, one of the most accomplished student-athletes in the history of Winthrop High School, has committed to Boston University where he will run track in the Terriers’ Division 1 program.
Cappuccio, son of BU alumnus Gerry Cappuccio and Kathleen Riley Cappuccio, made his decision last week after visiting the campus and speaking to BU coaches. He also considered BC, UMass Lowell, and Merrimack, but BU was his top choice from the outset.
BU is one of the elite institutions of higher learning in the United States and the school where such famed Winthrop alumni as Mike Eruzione, Dale Dunbar, Chuck Sullivan, and James English continued onward and achieved collegiate athletic greatness.
“I’m very excited to be attending BU,” said Cappuccio. “It’s a great school and the facilities are excellent. I’ll be a resident student on campus and studying business and accounting. The competition in Division 1 track is obviously the best, so I feel that if I run against the best, then I’ll become better myself. The plan is to get my times up and try to push myself as much as I can and see how fast I can get.”
Nick intends to follow both his father and brother into the fields of business and accounting. “My dad does business and accounting in his career, and my brother Chris is a junior at Merrimack, and he hopes to be an accountant. My sister, Arianna, is running indoor track for Winthrop High.”
Reflecting on his academic and athletic career at Winthrop High, Nick said, “I enjoy all the teachers there and being with my friends makes it more enjoyable. All my coaches have been great as well. And I want to thank my parents and my family for all the support that they’ve given me.”
An All-Scholastic career
Nick Cappuccio excelled in football and track for the Vikings. He earned Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic honors and was a four-year varsity football player in Coach Jon Cadigan’s Viking program. With electrifying speed and instant acceleration, Cappuccio was the proverbial “threat to score” every time he touched the football. In outdoor track, he is the reigning divisional state champion in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the long jump.
An ankle injury cut short Cappuccio’s senior season in football, but the 6-foot athlete is optimistic that he will be ready for the spring season.
“It’s looking good for the outdoor track season,” said Cappuccio. “I’m doing physical therapy two times a week at a facility and some additional training at my house.”
Praise, congratulations from Winthrop coaches and officials
Winthrop High School track coach Warren MacPhail called Cappuccio “a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and truly one of the best athletes we’ve ever had in Winthrop, right next to [New England sprint champion and Super Bowl running back] Steve Staffier and [record-setting high jumper and state hockey champion defenseman] Kevin McGee.”
“It’s been one of my best experiences coaching Nick. Boston University is getting a great one,” added MacPhail.
Winthrop High Athletic Director Mark DeGregorio also weighed in on Cappuccio’s extraordinary career as a Viking.
“Being a college athlete is tough, you’re juggling a lot. But being a Division 1 athlete is a whole other level. You’re competing against the best of the best while also keeping up with your schoolwork,” said DeGregorio. “I have no doubt in my mind that Nick is going to shine bright and do amazing things at BU. When I got the text from his mom, Kathleen, I was beaming with joy. Nicholas is a very special young man, and I can’t wait to see all the things he accomplishes on and off the track. Nick is not just a great student-athlete, but he is one of the nicest young men I have gotten the pleasure to work with. He’s just a genuine great person. Go get it, Nick. I am so excited and extremely proud of you. Boston University is so lucky to have you.”