The Fred Fugazzi Memorial Award Dinner is always a special occasion, as the 11 local grid programs come together to honor the best players on the Island – with one of them going home with a $2,000 scholarship from the Fugazzi family and the trophy named after the late New Dorp HS standout, who was both a hero on and off the field.

But Saturday night during the 45^th anniversary of the event at LiGreci’s Staaten in New Brighton, that specialness grew exponentially.

There was the celebration of legendary Susan Wagner mentor Al Paturzo, the winningest football coach in city history, who was honored with the Fugazzi committee’s Tom O’Connor Award.

There was the presentation of the evening’s big prize to Tottenville running back Tyshawn Bent, who became the first sophomore to win the coaches’ honor – one week after achieving the same feat with the Fabbri Award, the media’s vote as the borough’s top player.

But the biggest news came earlier in the festivities when new Missouri Valley College president Dr. Joe Parisi – representing the university that Fred Fugazzi graduated from, achieving Little All-American status for his play – declared that he will offer full scholarships to all 11 nominees, renewable after each of the four years.

VERY GENEROUS GIFT

“I was thinking about this after doing research before making the trip up,” said Dr. Parisi, a former football player and coach at MVC. “I wanted to find out what I was getting into. It didn’t seem real. I got up here and, after meeting with everybody, I said this is incredible.

“What’s taken place here with Fred Fugazzi … I don’t know if I’ve seen anything like it anywhere else, and I’ve traveled the world. I respect tradition, and you have it here. Take advantage of that opportunity.”

What impressed Dr. Parisi the most was how the committee, and the entire Island football community, has remembered Fugazzi – a former star running back at New Dorp and MVC, who was drafted by the AFL’s Boston Patriots but left training camp to enlist in the U.S. Marines. When Fugazzi returned home, he became a decorated NYC firefighter but was then tragically killed in 1977 trying to break up a bar room fight. 

“Many people today forget about tradition and legacy,” said Dr. Parisi, who is only the second member of the alumni in 135 years to serve as MVC’s president. “When I saw what the players, coaches and the community have done, [offering full scholarships] was a no-brainer.”

Dr. Parisi said tuition at the NAIA school is about $22,000 a year, bringing the entire four-year offer for 11 people to close to $1 million.

Numerous Staten Islanders attended the Marshall, Mo., school around the same time as Fugazzi – including founding committee member Joe Avena. The former New Dorp player and head coach was a scholastic and collegiate teammate of Fugazzi, and was present Saturday night to hug Dr. Parisi after the crowd-stirring announcement.

“If you don’t go to Missouri Valley College, then I will,” quipped current ND head coach Brian Murphy when he introduced his nominee, senior quarterback/safety Jack Kay, who also happens to be Murphy’s nephew.

PIRATE ADDS FUGAZZI TO FABBRI

Bent, meanwhile, likely won’t need Dr. Parisi’s magnanimous gift as he already has Division I offers from schools including Penn State, Syracuse and Temple. Bent, Tottenville’s nominee last year as a freshman, now has the chance to become the only three-time Fugazzi Award winner. Ironically, his toughest competition the next two season could come from equally explosive frosh backfield mate Kory Brown.

“I’m still young, so there’s a long way to go,” said Bent, whose exploits helped the Pirates reach the PSAL AAAA championship game. “I’m just glad to be an inspiration to other young kids, showing them that anything can happen if you work hard for it.”

Former Port Richmond baseball coach and Petrides principal Mike Davino was also an assistant football coach at Susan Wagner for Paturzo from 1986-90. He introduced his friend by rattling off some of Paturzo’s accomplishments, including: six city championships; 10 Fabbri and eight Fugazzi winners; a Staten Island Advance Sportsman of the Year; a two-time N.Y. State Coach of the Year; a S.I. Sports Hall of Fame inductee in 2006; and a founding member of the Fugazzi committee.

“Al is about commitment, honesty and loyalty,” said Davino of Paturzo, who retired in April of 2017 after 33 seasons at the varsity helm, compiling a record of 223-131-2.

PATURZO, SHERMAN ENJOY EVENING

During his often-humorous speech, Paturzo praised the work of the award’s namesake, who was the longtime emcee of this dinner. “Tom was such an outstanding human being. He was a major cog who brought all the coaches together.”

Paturzo also thanked his family, including sons Phil and Brian and their wives; his grandchildren; and his wife of nearly 55 years, Kathy.

Also of note, Dr. Mark Sherman – the PSAL’s doctor on the sidelines for almost half a century, usually at Susan Wagner and Curtis – continued his 15-year tradition of giving $100 to the nominees who don’t go home with the hardware, a gesture done in tribute to his father. Dr. Benjamin Sherman preceded his son by volunteering his services at football games for about 55 years, starting at Lafayette HS in Brooklyn.

“I was always upset because all these kids are winners, but only one gets [the $2,000 Fugazzi scholarship]. The kids have always been appreciative, and to do it in Pop’s name is great,” Dr. Sherman said.

All the nominees received a school jacket and a unique helmet plaque.

“This is unique to Staten Island. The coaches have always rallied behind it and treated it as important,” said Avena. “They know it’s one of the big athletic events on the calendar. And, with the winner being a surprise, it’s played up like it’s the Academy Awards.”

“It’s amazing that we’ve kept it going all these years, and that Missouri Valley College has always sent a representative,” said committee president Rita Barchitta.

On Saturday, MVC’s first-time rep made a bigger impact than anyone had before.