GLOBE NORTHWEST 1 / SPORTS
The last time Rico Dello Iacono graced the same gridiron asMedford High, his Everett Crimson Tide washed over their GreaterBoston League foe, 49-22. The game was one of many disappointmentsin a season overflowing with them for the Mustangs.
Now, Dello Iacono finds himself as the man entrusted to breathestability, and hope, into a Medford football program thatdesperately needs both.
'It was another game at the time,' said Dello Iacono, who lastweek accepted the head coaching position.
'As coaches on the opposing sidelines, you talk about the otherteam's bright spots. I saw a few of them that day.'
The Mustangs finished last season under the direction of interimcoaches Mike Marchese and James Delverde, who stepped in aftersecond-year coach James Atkins was indicted for misuse of funds witha booster club at Chelsea High.
As both a player and a coach, the 30-year-old Dello Iacono hasknown little more than perennial powerhouse Everett. He was captainof the 1995 team that won the Greater Boston League title in coachJohn DiBiaso's inaugural season at the helm.
After a short stint playing center at Merrimack College thatended because of a knee injury, Dello Iacono returned to his almamater to join DiBiaso's staff. The past eight seasons, he served asthe offensive and defensive line coach for the Tide.
Being at Everett 'was fantastic,' he said. 'I met a lot of greatplayers and had a lot of great years.'
Now, however, Dello Iacono is battling a new frontier. Medfordwas one of two Division 1 teams to go winless last season, finishing0-11. Since the start of the 2003 season, the Mustangs have anunsightly 8-56 record.
The challenge is something the first-year coach welcomes.
'Everett went 1-9 before John DiBiaso took over the program,'said Dello Iacono. 'I'm not saying I'm going to be as successful,but I've learned from the best.'
Medford athletic director Robert Maloney agrees, and noted DelloIacono's experience in the GBL as a key point in his hire. Moreimportantly, Maloney was sold on Dello Iacono's vow to make a long-term commitment to the program.
'He's already told us he's not looking to come in for a coupleyears and jump ship,' said Maloney. 'He's looking to build theprogram.'
Sometime in the next month, Dello Iacono will move to Medford.Pending budget approval, he will also join the faculty at MedfordHigh as a history teacher, a position he now holds at Everett.
'Medford had a great run in teams in the '60s and '70s,' saidDello Iacono. 'The people in Medford want that, the kids want itjust as much.
'I want to bring that back.'
