Tony Licata

Athletic Director, Coach

Inducted 2006

Tony Licata was Cardinal Gibbons’ “man of all trades” when it first opened its doors in 1961. He taught Algebra I, coached most all of the boys’ sports teams, and became the school’s first athletic director. After only two years he was named the Broward County Coach of the Year for football. Basketball was his main focus and the sport that eventually became his “sport of choice” to coach. In the early years, basketball games were held at the infamous “Barn,” and it was not until 1972 that Coach Licata saw his dream of a gym on campus come to fruition. With his help, the Gibbons Gym became a reality and one of the cornerstones of the great traditions of Cardinal Gibbons Athletics. It provided our school with a sense of pride and the foundation which gave our athletics a place to call home.

Coach Licata’s determination and dedication was evident throughout the athletic department in his years here. Gibbons teams became respected and traditionally started to build into the strong athletic power it has become. His efforts became fact when in 1975-76 Cardinal Gibbons won its first All County Sports Trophy given by the Ft. Lauderdale/Sun-Sentinel.

After resigning in 1979 Coach Licata moved to Ft. Pierce with his wife Barbara and 5 children, fulfilling another dream he had of opening a family restaurant. Coach Licata’s perseverance in life provided an example to all with whom he came into contact. He worked hard all his life for his family and in his work as a coach and a teacher. In 1990 he began his battle with cancer, with the same determination as he had exhibited with all the other challenges he faced, with courage and faith. His final days were spent doing the things that meant the most to him. He returned to teaching and coaching, and spent time with his loved ones. He will always be remembered for his contributions to Cardinal Gibbons.