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Eastchester's Dom Cecere Chosen As National Baseball Coach Of Year

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. - The National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Association hit a home run on Thursday, announcing that Eastchester High School varsity baseball coach Dom Cecere was named as one of their coaches of the year.

Eastchester High School baseball coach Dom Cecere (top left, with AD Jason Karol and two of his scholarship players) was named a 2015 Coach of the Year.

Eastchester High School baseball coach Dom Cecere (top left, with AD Jason Karol and two of his scholarship players) was named a 2015 Coach of the Year.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Long renowned among his peers throughout the state as one of the best, Cecere is now being recognized nationally for his achievements on and off the diamond. He is one of just 22 high school coaches in the country to be selected by the NFHS.

Each year, the NFHS celebrates the top 10 girls and boys coaches - based on participation numbers - and one in an “other” sport that is not included in the top 10 listing. A “spirit coach” is also recognized in a separate award category. To be eligible for the honor, winners must be an active coach for the year they receive the award.

For more than five decades, Cecere has been a fixture in Eastchester, helping student-athletes on and off the field. Since taking over in 1964, the coach has won the most games in state history and 15 league title crowns, culminating with his induction into the New York State Hall of Fame in 2014.

Under his guidance, dozens of students have advanced to college on scholarship, and his teams boast one of the best graduation rates in the country.

In order to earn a nomination, a point person from the NFHS, working with each states’ coaches’ associations has a coaching profile, which includes information such as overall record, membership, local affiliations, coaching philosophies and community outreach. Those state coaches of the year are then chosen and a 9-person advisory committee evaluates the candidates and determines who is most deserving for national accolades in each of the 20 categories.

In total, 537 students will be recognized with state, sectional and national awards. Cecere is one of two New York coaches to earn recognition, joined by Marty Keating, a girl’s swimming and diving coach from Pittsford.

Although his statistical resume is impressive, Eastchester Athletic Director Jay Karol didn’t praise him for his baseball acumen, he noted that he is a quality coach and teacher for his students.

“Dom Cecere is a coach who understands what high school sports are all about. He has the most wins in New York State history, but that is not what is most important to him; his satisfaction comes from seeing his young players develop, grow and succeed,” Karol stated. “He is a transformational coach that focuses on encouraging his players to become better individuals, both on and off the field.

“He stresses good sportsmanship, integrity and honesty. Each player on his team is given the same level of respect, regardless of the position he plays. Dom Cecere is one of the best coaches and individuals whom I have ever known.” 

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