Chaminade coach Vince Zappone, a pioneer for school’s football success, dies at age 93

Before there was ever Dameon Jones and his five state football championships, or Mark Guandolo and his two state titles, and long before the Chaminade-Madonna football program became the national power it is today – there was Vince Zappone.

Even though he never actually won a state football championship at Chaminade, Zappone was a long-time coach and athletic director at the school and laid the ground work for the success that would later arrive in the 2000s.

Zappone, considered a “Chaminade Lifer” who had the school’s stadium named after him in 2003, passed away this past Wednesday at age 93.

“The number of lives he touched in a positive way are countless,” said Guandolo, who coached the Lions program for two seasons (1988-89) before returning in 2000 to coach the program to its first two state titles in 2003 and 2005. “He was on the golf course in 1988 when he gave me my start, giving me my first head coaching job. He changed my life that day as he did so many others. Over the years, there were attorneys, doctors, you name it, former players from all walks of life who became a success in life because of Vince and that’s a testimony to the man that he was.”

Zappone began his football coaching career at Chaminade in 1965 and would coach the program for the next 12 seasons. Despite being a small Catholic school having to compete against much bigger schools, the Lions won five consecutive district titles from 1968-72 (making two state semifinal appearances) before putting it all together in 1974.

That’s when they went 9-1 in the regular season before knocking off Glades Central and Venice to make it to the Class 3A state championship game. Even though a trip to Ocala resulted in a lopsided loss to Forest High School, the groundwork for future success had been laid.

One of those players from that ‘74 team was David Shula, son of legendary Dolphins Hall of Fame head coach Don Shula.

“Coach Zappone was a great leader who influenced so many of us on a positive way,” said Shula, a sophomore on that state team who is now an assistant coach at Dartmouth. “He always found a way to motivate you and hold you accountable. He’ll be missed by all of us.”

Another one of his former players was Wayne Schuchts, a two-way player at quarterback and safety.

“Coach Zappone was a legend,” Schuchts said. “He created a culture that developed winning teams and winning men. Up until the end, he was always smiling, telling stories, sharing a passion for life. I am beyond grateful for his influence on my football career and personal life.”

After stepping down from football, finishing with a career record of 89-34-4, Zappone took over as the school’s athletic director in 1977 while also coaching the boys golf and wrestling teams. He would remain in those capacities until retiring in 1993. Even after retirement though, Zappone stayed close to the school and was a regular mainstay at all the football games.

“Vince was a unique person who was stern and competitive as a football and wrestling coach, but compassionate and understanding to those around him,” said long-time high school guru and radio host Larry Blustein who spent a lot of time with Zappone. “Having known him for nearly 50 years, I was fortunate to see the many sides of a coach, teacher, father, husband and friend. He was indeed a one of a kind who would never hold anything back. He certainly was supportive of everything I did and ready my articles and listened to my radio shows religiously.”

Now with a total of seven state titles, the Lions program has moved beyond state dominance and is now a national brand. Preseason national rankings for this coming season have three South Florida teams in the Top 10 and Chaminade-Madonna is No. 7, two spots behind No. 5 Miami Central and two ahead of No. 9 St. Thomas Aquinas.

With seven consecutive berths in the state championship game, the Lions will look to break that state record (shared with Belle Glade Glades Day, 82-88) next December with number eight.

“Mr. Zappone and his legacy will live on at Chaminade-Madonna for years to come,” Chaminade athletic director Matt Bishop said. “He was a fixture at football games, even through last year’s state championship season. I was fortunate enough to spend time on the sidelines at games with him and you could tell that being there brought him great joy in knowing that he helped build a foundation of success within the football program.”

Zappone is survived by his four children, Janet, Michele Moyer (Mark), Vincent Jr., and Joseph (Rita) and two grandchildren, Joseph Conway (Izzy) and Katie Conway.

A viewing for Zappone will be held on Tuesday at the Landmark Funeral Home in Hollywood (4200 Hollywood Blvd.) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The funeral will be held Wednesday at Nativity Church in Hollywood (5220 Johnson Street) beginning at 11 a.m.