Induction Graduation Sport Type

2022 1977 Football Coach

Nick Ianello, a 1977 Rye Neck High School graduate, participated in three sports during his time in high school, but he found his greatest success on the gridiron, as a player, and more recently, as a coach.

In high school, he was known as a fierce competitor and leader among his teammates.  His play was instrumental in leading his 1976-77 football team to an appearance in the Championship Bowl game.

Nick’s greatest impact on Rye Neck, however, was in the 19 seasons he coached the varsity football team.  Over the course of his career, he has garnered many and varied honors.  A five time league Coach of the Year, he was also named Section 1 Coach of the Year and New York Giants Coach of the Week during the 2013 season.  His honors were reflections of the teams he coached, winning 3 league titles, playing in 5 Sectional Championships and winning 1; a New York State Regional Championship; a State Semi-Final win and led a team to the New York State Championship title game.

He holds Rye Neck records for most wins as a football coach with 86. And, most wins in a season with 11.

His most memorable seasons were in 2012 and 2013.  In 2012, his squad completed one of the most remarkable seasons in Section 1 history.  The team finished the season 7-0 shutting out every opponent while outscoring them by a margin of 229-0.  2013 topped all others as he led his team to league, section, and regional championships; a state semi-final win; capping the season as runner-up in the New York State Championship title game in the Carrier Dome.

Coach I was always able to get the best out of his players.  A master motivator, he could get his athletes to believe in themselves and each other, and his teams to play well-beyond their expectations.  He contributed to the success of so many of his athletes which is apparent in the honors they received - all-league, all-section, and all-state awards - and even a Sports Illustrated All-American mention.  18 of his former players went on to play at the collegiate level.  More importantly, Coach instilled the love of the game and the importance of teamwork and respect for each other.