2018 RALPH KING AWARD
The FCIAC will annually recognize someone who has made substantial contributions to the FCIAC with the distinguished coach award named for Ralph King, whose professionalism was characterized by excellence in service to the FCIAC, the CHSCA and the CIAC.
Nick Zeoli
Nick Zeoli spent his professional career at Wilton H.S. from 1954 until 1994. He received his BS Degree from Arnold College in 1950, his MA degree in administration from Columbia University in 1952 and his MA in Administration of Physical Education and Athletics from the University of Bridgeport in 1964.
He served as a Physical Education teacher, department chair and the first Athletic Director. He coached football, track and cross country and won numerous state championships. He assisted in the development of both the Wilton and Staples field houses.
He was instrumental in the start of Unified Basketball. He helped train many coaches for Special Olympics over a 20-year period, including coaches in Pakistan
In honor of all his contributions, it is with great pleasure that we award Nick Zeoli with the Ralph King award.
2018 JOHN KUCZO AWARD
The FCIAC will annually present this award to a member of the education profession who has made significant contributions to high school athletics while exhibiting the qualities of leadership, integrity and professionalism which has been synonymous with the man to whom this award is named: John J. Kuczo, a long-time leader of the league. This is the FCIAC’s highest award to professional educators from within the FCIAC, CHSCA and the CIAC.
Carmine Tosches
Athletics have always played an important role in Carmine Tosches’ life. Carmine played 3 varsity sports for Stamford High: basketball, football, and baseball (serving as Captain for the latter two teams).
When he graduated from high school, he was chosen to be the 1st ever recipient of the Stamford Old Timers Student-Athlete Award – one of the many accomplishments Carmine is most proud of.
After graduating in 1945, he was immediately drafted into the Army and sent to Germany during World War II. After two years of service, he met and married Susan Rowella of Greenwich; they had five children and were married for 64 years. He enrolled in Arnold College (now known as Bridgeport University), graduating in 1951 with a BS in Physical Education.
He received a MA degree in Administration in 1961 from Fairfield University, and earned his 6th year Certificate from Bridgeport University in 1974. He was named the Coordinator of Athletics & Physical Education and Athletic Director for Stamford, Westhill and Rippowam High Schools in 1974 – remaining there until 1978, when he was appointed Principal of Westhill High School.
During his time as Athletic Director in Stamford, Carmine also served as the FCIAC’s Commissioner. From 1978 to 1984, he served on the CIAC Board of Control. Carmine was inducted into the CHSCA Hall of Fame in 1982, the Stamford Old Timers Hall of Fame in 1988, and FCIAC Hall of Fame in 1996. He also received the Arnold College Alumni Award in 1984.
This outstanding dedication to and involvement in Athletics is why we are honored to award Carmine Tosches with the John Kuczo Award.