Don Marino

 Inducted in 2004
 
In 1985 when Don Marino walked onto the campus of Gibbons to interview for the head football coaching position, Louise Crocco knew, without a doubt, she had the right man for the job. In 1999 when Coach Marino retired with a record of 100 wins and just 49 losses, he became the most successful football coach in Cardinal Gibbons High School history. It did not take long for this powerhouse of a man to impact the Redskin football program with his coaching philosophies.
 
Coach Marino came to Gibbons from Southbridge, Massachusetts. He played football at Southbridge High School from 1948-51 and was named All-American in 1951. He attended college at Southeastern Louisiana State University where he led the nation, averaging 9.6 yards a carry and was named to the All-American squad in 1954.

He returned to Southbridge to begin his coaching career at his high school alma mater. As head football coach there he achieved all kinds of records: 22 district championships, three undefeated seasons, two appearances in the Massachusetts Super Bowl for high schools, and an overall record of 156 wins and 63 losses.

At Gibbons, Coach Marino continued his tradition of success. He amassed two nine win seasons in 1989 and 1993, two seasons with 11 wins in 1990 and 1994. Coach Marino's teams captured four district titles, and in 1994 the Redskins traveled to the state football tournament in Daytona for the first time in Gibbons football history, finishing second.

Coach Marino has been a positive influence in hundreds of young men's lives throughout his years of coaching. He has sent many to colleges and universities all over the country, and three went on to play professional football: Donnell Bennett (CGHS Class of 1990), Jason Bostic (CGHS, Class of 1995), and John Fitzgerald (Southbridge, Class of 1966).

Coach had been selected Coach of the Year by The Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel, and has been inducted into the Halls of Fame of Louisiana and Massachusetts.