Tony DeCarloTony DeCarlo, long associated with John Carroll University as wrestling, football and tennis coach as well as athletic director for nearly a half-century, passed away in his Cleveland area home Wednesday. He was 77.
In announcing his death, JCU described DeCarlo as "a successful coach, mentor, and leader at John Carroll for nearly 50 years. His John Carroll journey began in 1964 and continued beyond his retirement in 2014 ... His legacy is one of sustained growth, leadership, and lifelong service to John Carroll student-athletes, coaches, staff, and alumni."
DeCarlo launched the wrestling program at John Carroll in 1964. As head coach, DeCarlo guided the Blue Streaks to the team title at the 1975 NCAA College Division (now Division III) Wrestling Championships, and a second-place finish at the 1974 and 1976 NCAAs, for a total of eleven NCAA top-ten finishes. DeCarlo coached 14 individual NCAA champions, while 62 of his wrestlers earned NCAA All-American honors. John Carroll wrestling also earned 21 straight PAC (Presidents Athletic Conference) team titles, with 120 individual PAC champs. DeCarlo's wrestlers compiled a 211-64-1 dual meet record.
For his success as JCU wrestling coach, DeCarlo was named NCAA Coach of the Year in 1974, and was named National Catholic Wrestling Coach of the Year four times. He was welcomed into the John Carroll Athletics Hall of Fame in 1977, the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980, and the NCAA Division III Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1991.
Another measure of Tony DeCarlo's success as wrestling coach: University of Michigan reportedly courted him to coach the Wolverine mat program, with no success.
"I think the main reason he didn't leave was because this was his home," former JCU basketball coach Mike Moran told the News-Herald. "He loved this area. His family and friends all lived here. He was happy. He loved Cleveland and loved the university."
Tony DeCarlo's life and career pretty much centered on northeastern Ohio. He was born on July 12, 1940 in Painesville, Ohio. The second of three children born to Sicilian immigrants, DeCarlo was the first in his family to go to college, graduating from Kent State University - where he played football and wrestled -- in 1962.
DeCarlo launched his professional career at Lakewood St. Edward High School, where he was on the coaching staff for both football and wrestling before coming to John Carroll University in 1964. In addition to his role as head coach of the Blue Streaks wrestling program, DeCarlo would also serve on the football staff as defensive coordinator, a position he held until 1975, and tennis coach. In 1986, DeCarlo became athletic director at John Carroll, a position he held until 2014.
"Tony set a standard for competitive excellence at John Carroll, which our current coaches and staff continue to strive to live up to," said Laurie Massa, John Carroll's Senior Director of Athletics. "His impact on the lives of hundreds of student-athletes as a coach and mentor is immeasurable. I will always appreciate Tony's vision and love for John Carroll - his legacy will last forever."
"Tony DeCarlo was devoted to the growth of John Carroll student-athletes as a coach, mentor, and advocate," said Jeanne Colleran, Ph.D., interim president of John Carroll University. "On the field, he pushed our athletes to the highest levels of competition, and as athletic director and later as fundraiser, he positioned future generations of Blue Streaks to thrive on and off the field. My thoughts are with his wife Rita and his family. John Carroll is grateful for his lifelong service to our community."
DeCarlo is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rita, their three children - Debi Rachek, Tony, and Patti Naim (along with their spouses) -- nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Services honoring Tony DeCarlo will take place next weekend. On Friday, April 27, visitation will take place from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center on the John Carroll University campus in University Heights, Ohio. On Saturday, April 28, there will be a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Gesu in University Heights, followed by a memorial luncheon and program in the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center at noon.
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