A New Era

Jesuit High School head wrestling coach Mike Scicchitano ’01, who led the program to great heights the past few years, informed the school Tuesday (April 7) that he is resigning after nine seasons to focus on his family and his other responsibilities at Jesuit.

Scicchitano addressed the team in the Jesuit wrestling facility after school Tuesday, and Jesuit athletic director Terry Rupp ’84 introduced the team to the new head coach – former Springstead High School coach Sal Basile.

Scicchitano will remain connected to the program as an assistant coach.

“Mike has been tremendous at developing Jesuit wrestling into an elite program, but knowing all of the responsibilities he carries at Jesuit, we certainly understand his decision,” Rupp said. “And we’re elated that Sal is coming on board. His experience leading one of the state’s premier programs at Springstead will help Jesuit wrestling continue its tradition of excellence.”

Scicchitano will focus more on his other two roles as Jesuit: Social Studies department head and Director of Student Activities. He guided Jesuit wrestling to eight District titles in nine years; a 159-30 dual-meet record; three individual state titlists; 29 state place-winners; and a team state runner-up finish in 2014, when he was named NWCA Florida Coach of the Year.

Basile was Springstead’s head coach the past three seasons, leading the Eagles to a Class 2A state championship in 2013, third place in 2014 (one spot behind Jesuit), and second place this year. Under his tutelage, at least one Springstead wrestler has captured a state championship each of the past nine years.

“Sal and I share a common vision for what we want the program to be,” Scicchitano said. “Sal’s success at Springstead speaks for itself, but more importantly our core values are fully aligned.”

A former standout wrestler at Springstead, Basile placed third in the state as a senior in 1993. He returned to Springstead after college as a highly regarded assistant coach for many years. In 2011 he was named the USA Wrestling National Assistant Coach of the Year.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Jesuit tradition,” Basile said. “Competing against Jesuit for many years, I’ve admired the culture of the program. I look forward to continuing the great success.”