Frank P. Scelza

1952-56 * Athlete, Teacher, Coach, Administrator

"Slump, I ain't in no slump, I just ain't hitting. " ~Yogi Berra

Frank Scelza's career actually started as an athlete, at Bulkeley High School, under the legendary coach Arthur "Babe" Allen. He played three sports, football, basketball and baseball. He captained Bulkeley's football and basketball teams and was selected All State in those two sports.

After graduation, he entered Springfield College where he played varsity football, basketball and golf. In 1952, Frank started his teaching and coaching career at HPHS, as a physical education teacher and coach of baseball. He teamed with Larry Amann, Joe Kubachka, Joe Cirone and Lindy Remigino in boys' physical education classes. Frank Scelza never missed a day of work in 37-1/2 years. He was a meticulous coach and a keen strategist. He produced outstanding HPHS baseball stars such as Pete Sala and Nick Koback who were later inducted into the HPHS Hall of Fame. Catcher Nick Koback, played in the majors for the Pittsburg Pirates.

Other HPHS baseball standouts under Coach Scelza were pitchers Mike Heneghan, Mickey Grabeck and fielders Rich Ferland and Dennis Casey. In 1957, Frank became the Weaver High School basketball coach. He coached there for 12 years recording an astonishing 166 wins and 66 losses, a .716 winning percentage.

From 1969 to 1989 Frank served as vice principal of Bulkeley High School. Frank has received many other honors. He is in the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame, the Connecticut Football Officials Association Hall of Fame and has received the CIAC Basketball Merit Award, the National Football Foundation Leadership Award and a Life Membership by Wampanoag Country Club.