As an assistant coach for the past two years, John Marinelli has helped lead the varsity football team to back-to-back state championships and an FCIAC championship. Alongside his father, Head Coach Lou Marinelli, John Marinelli has coached the Rams for an excellent six seasons.
John Marinelli has coached a great offense at New Canaan, and is looking to bring his knowledge of the game to Greenwich. “I think he’s been very innovative, he’s taken the offense, studied it, and he knows it just about as well as some college and pro coaches,” coach Lou Marinelli said. “He’s done a great job here, he’s not afraid to make a mistake, and I think that’s why year in and year out, we have had one of the best offenses in the state.”
Many people around the country are very impressed with the way Johnny Marinelli has taken the offense and made it one of the top offenses in the state. “The way he has taken the offense into his own hands has led people throughout the country to visit us and ask us how we teach his offense,” Lou said. Not only was there a bond between the John and his father, but between the players on the team. Senior captain Frank Cognetta has been coached by John Marinelli for several years. “I’m going to remember Johnny as being the guy that would always stop by to say hello, have dinner, and watch TV with my family and I,” Frank said. “Johnny was both a good friend and a mentor, and I wish him the best of luck at his new job.”
Junior Mike Cognetta, Frank’s brother, felt similarly. “Johnny has always been close with my family. Staying over for dinner, hanging out and watching tv shows with my parents and other coaches, and even sleeping here sometimes,” he said. “I’ve known him all my life as a coach, but now that he’s gone he’ll stay in my mind as a friend. He will be dearly missed.”
John’s record as a coach mirrors his success with his players. Junior and rising captain Mike Collins has been coached by John for several years as a quarterback. “He was an excellent coach and he was very smart. He was also a great person and was very helpful to every member of the team,” Mike said.
Frank commented on Marinelli’s work ethic and determination as a coach. “Johnny was always the guy that would spend countless hours in the war room preparing game plans for the team,” Frank said. “He was a dedicated and put his heart and soul into being a coach.”
Although John Marinelli has contributed hugely to the football team’s success, the coaching staff still believes the team will be able to succeed despite the absence of John. “Things change and he’s going on to bigger and better things,” Lou said. “I think we’re going to be fine, we just have to pick up the pieces and do everything a little bit better.”
The players also believe that the team will be able to bounce back next year despite Marinelli’s absence. “Coach Lou won for 28 years before him. Some coach will always step up in his place. That’s why New Canaan has always found a way to be successful,” senior captain Zach Allen said.
Frank also believes that New Canaan will be able to bounce back from the loss of Marinelli. “I think the team will really miss not having Johnny as a coach, but I also think that the team has faith in the other members of the coaching staff to ensure New Canaan stays a strong program from this point on,” Frank said.
Coach Lou Marinelli also believes that Johnny will be able to great things when he moves onto coaching Greenwich this fall. “I think he is going to do great things at Greenwich,” Lou said. “He’s worked hard to get to this point in his career, and I think it will pay off.” Another thing that will be missed is Marinelli’s humour and dedication. “My favorite memory of Johnny was when he was kicked out of the Fairfield Warde game,” Mike Cognetta said. “He tried to go into the stands to call plays from there, but was then escorted out of the field by security.”
Many of the players will have memories and bonds with Johnny Marinelli that will last for the rest of their lives. “My favorite memory is hugging Johnny after winning the state championship this past season,” Frank said. “Something about it being my last football game of my career and the fact that Johnny was a huge part of those last four years made it really special.”
Although John will be missed by the players and the coaches, Lou agrees with John’s decision. “He’s worked hard to get to this point, and I think it’s about time he get’s out of his father’s shadow,” Lou said.
