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Warren’s Paolucci achieves head coaching dream
By Steve Ruman
It didn’t take very long for Warren native Tom Paolucci to realize he wanted to become a head football coach.
“Very first day of practice ever, my seventh grade year, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” Paolucci said. “To say that Tony Napolet made an immediate impact would be an understatement.”
Paolucci’s goal came to fruition earlier this month when he was named head coach at Olympia High School in Orlando, Fla.
Paolucci is a 1993 graduate of Warren JFK High School, where as a junior he helped lead the Eagles to a Division IV state title. He went on to become part of three championship teams at Youngstown State University, earning four letters and being named team captain in 1997.
As a YSU senior, Paolucci was the backbone of a stingy defense that propelled the Penguins to their fourth national title of the decade. While starting in all 15 games, he totaled 75 tackles. He was named The Vindicator’s YSU Male Student-Athlete of the Year for 1997-98.
An abundance of teaching and coaching opportunities sent Paolucci to Florida in 1998. He has spent the past 15 years doing both in the Orlando area.
“This all goes back to growing up in Northeast Ohio, and being around two of the finest coaches and human beings I’ll ever know,” Paolucci said.
Paolucci played for Napolet in junior high. They were reunited when Napolet took over the JFK program in 1991. At YSU, Paolucci’s teams were guided by Jim Tressel.
“I was blessed beyond belief,” Paolucci said. “Think about it. As a football player, you are lucky if you come across a Tony Napolet or a Jim Tressel just once in your career.
“I had those guys by my side from junior high on up. These two men achieved their success through extremely hard work and humility. If I can take after them in that regard, I’ll be very satisfied.”
Paolucci noted that there are similarities with high school football in Ohio and Florida “depending on the culture created by the head coach and the community.”
He said that both states display a strong love and respect for the game.
He also says there are glaring differences between the two states when it comes to the game.
“The biggest difference is speed, and in my humble opinion, it is beyond contention,” Paolucci said. “The overall team speed in Florida takes the game to a whole different level.
“These kids down here, they play outside 24/7, 365. They take full advantage of the weather. Having spring ball also is a huge advantage which sets Florida apart.”
Paolucci takes over a program which has enjoyed recent success. Olympia has made four consecutive playoff appearances.
“For me it’s all about giving back to the game,” Paolucci said. “Coach Napolet and coach Tressel spent their lives giving back to others through football. If I can do the same, my career will be a success.”
In addition to his coaching duties, Paolucci will teach Physical Education at Olympia High.
Paolucci’s parents, Dominic and Barbara, reside in Warren.