Tony Napolet began his high school coaching career in 1963 when he was lured to Niles by legendary Red Dragons coach Tony Mason. After serving as a Niles assistant until 1969, Napolet took over the Warren JFK program. In three years, he compiled a 26-2-2 record before returning to Niles as a head coach from 1973-78. From 1980 to 1990, Napolet was content guiding the St. Mary’s of Warren junior high program. However, just prior to the 1991 season, JFK found itself without a coach, and Napolet agreed to fill the void for what he vowed would be a one-year stint. The rest, as they say, is history. Seventeen years later, Napolet continues a successful career which includes a 20-10 playoff record, three state final appearances, and a state championship. Now in his 21st season at Kennedy, Napolet owns an overall career record of 201-87-3.

Q. Your coaching staff includes five assistants who were head coaches at one time. How does such an experienced staff manage to keep its ego in check?

A. “With us, there is a bond that goes way beyond football. We’re truly a family. I have the greatest staff in the world, and the program’s success is all because of them. A lot of the guys on this staff could very easily be head coaches again if they so choose — they’re that good. But I think there’s something special about the Kennedy community that keeps them around.”

Q. In your opinion, why isn’t JFK a member of an area league?

A. “I think that too many people have the mindset that we’re either too small or perhaps too successful. Even in an era of open enrollment some people are living in antiquated times, where they claim that we have an unfair advantage or that we recruit. The reality is, Kennedy’s tradition and its excellence in education is what brings kids to the school. We’ll play anyone at our level. And in most cases, the kids from other area schools would love to play us. It’s the adults who prevent it from happening. That’s a shame, because they’re only hurting the kids.”

Q. What was the most important coaching lesson you learned from Mason?

A. “The psychological part of the game. Tony was a tremendous motivator. He was the best. He could motivate an inanimate object. I also learned the value of surrounding yourself with great coaches. Tony had guys like Bob Shaw, Glen Stennett, Fred Conti and the list goes on and on. He was the football guru, but he also surrounded himself with some great people.”

Q. As a Niles coach, you once made the comment that your dream job would be to coach a team of orphans. Explain.

A. “Yeah, I don’t think that has ever changed, and I don’t think an explanation is necessary. But again, at Kennedy I have been surrounded by great parents who are very supportive of how we run our program. You’re always going to have the parent who believes their son isn’t getting his share of playing time, but really, I have been blessed in my years at the school.”

Q. While facing health issues in 1996 and again last year, did you ever consider walking away from coaching?

A. “No! As long as the kids continue to respond to what I’m trying to teach, and as long as I’m physically able to do continue, I’ll probably be there until the funeral director comes to pick me up. And again, it goes back to my coaching staff. They carry me, I don’t carry them. They are the sole reason I’ve been able to stick around through some hard times.”

Q. What is the biggest change in high school football since the day you began coaching?

A. “Things are so very competitive today. Back in the day, you had a handful of programs that were ahead of the curve in terms of the off-season weightlifting and such. Today, everyone is on the same level. Plus, with so many other outside distractions, it is tough getting the total commitment from today’s youth. Then again, our school has 120 boys and 73 are playing football, so we must be doing something right.”

Q. Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson?

A. Of the two, I think Quinn is better on his feet, he’s got a missile for an arm and I believe he has the ability to lead a team and make all the right decisions.

XInterview by Vindicator correspondent Steve Ruman.