On Thursday morning former Head Coach John Marinelli tweeted his congratulations to Assistant Coach Tony Morello for being appointed head coach of the Cardinals football team. Marinelli resigned in June after four years as head coach of the Cardinals to become an assistant coach at University of Arizona.
Congratulations to @coachmorello77 ! Well deserved and what @GreenwichFB needs! #cthsfb best candidate, great resume, future is bright.
— John Marinelli (@johnmarinelli) July 18, 2019
During his years as a student at Greenwich High School, Morello was unique among his peers as he participated in the school’s musical theater program as well as playing football.
After college he stayed involved in theater, directing and acting in productions at St. Catherine’s Players and Offbeat Players. In fact, he is the Executive Director of the Off-Beat Players.
He is also a member of the Special Education Dept for the Greenwich Public Schools as well as the Summer Camp Executive Director for Burning Tree Country Club.
In addition to being a steady presence on the field at Cardinal Stadium, Morello has helped lead summer football camp, played with a Cardinals team in dodge ball tournaments at the Boys & Girls Club and more.
Athletic director Gus Lindine announced his decision on Thursday morning. He said the appointment is effective immediately. Asked if there were any other changes among the coaching staff he said there were no other appointments.
Morello began his coaching career at Darien High School, working as an assistant freshman coach. In 2011 he joined the Greenwich High School Football Staff. After serving as Freshman Head Coach, Morello was promoted to the varsity team in 2015 as the Offensive Line Coach and in 2016 he became the Running Game Coordinator. The development of the offensive line and the success of the running game played as huge role in the team winning the state championship last fall. Under his guidance, eight Cardinal offensive linemen have gone off to play in college in the past four years.
As a student-athlete at Greenwich High School, Morello was an All FCIAC and All State selection. He was also team captain and was selected as a CIAC Scholar-Athlete. Anthony continued his athletic career at Union College. During his collegiate career, he was named All Liberty Conference three times, was a Division III All East selection, and was the team’s Offensive Most Valuable Player.
Mr. Ralph Mayo, the incoming Headmaster at Greenwich High School, said in a release, “I have known Mr. Morello for many years and have followed his fine work in the classroom, on the athletic field and in the theater. I can’t think of a better role model for our student-athletes or a better leader for our community. He is an excellent coach, but more importantly an even better person. We are all very lucky to welcome him as our new head football coach.”
Lindine said, “Through a lot of time, energy and hard work, Anthony has become quite an exceptional football coach. As a former Cardinal captain and player, he recognizes and values the strong tradition of our football program and understands its’ expectations. Coach Morello has a great connection with the players, school and community. He was extremely impressive throughout the selection process and we are proud to have him as our head coach.”
Greenwich High School alumni Tony Morello and Steve Hohl, with Michael Buscani, a rising senior at GHS. Aug 1, 2016 Credit: Elizabeth Budinoff
Morello (front center) as Horton in Seussical at St Catherine’s Players 2015 Photo: Leslie Yager
Coaches Mike Fina and Tony Morella at Brunswick during the last day of football camp, Aug. 19, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
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Tony Morello gives direction during the OBP dress rehearsal of High School Musical, August 1, 2016. Credit Elizabeth Budinoff
Tony Morello is admittedly one of the greatest additions to the Greenwich High School and its community because he is not only an exceptionally gifted and highly talented football player as well as football coach, but also a presence on the field, being the best athletic mentor any aspiring high school football player would ever want to work with. He has long-standing ties with the school as well, having been the Assistant Coach of the Cardinals Team until very recently. Tony is also, and yes, wait for it, plenty multi-talented actually. He has even directed the High School Musical and loves the theatre as much as he loves sports. What a great faculty member to have! For the best sportsbook lists, check Meta.reviews.