Perizzolo new Athletics Director

Aryssah Stankevitsch     

Times Reporter   

 

In his fourth year at Holy Cross Collegiate (HCC), Darren Perizzolo is the new Athletics Director, following the departure of Michael Annicchiarico.

“I think Michael did a really good job of getting students involved in athletics,” Perizzolo said. “He kind of set a little bit of a precedent in terms of what we expect out of our athletes. That’s something I definitely hope to continue with.”

With a degree in kinesiology and another in physical education, the title of Athletics Director is something Perizzolo considered would come one day.

“It was always something that I thought I would end up doing eventually,” he said. “But so soon in my career, to be teaching all Phys Ed and athletic director, is kind of…like the Holy Grail almost. It’s good, it’s enjoyable to come to work everyday and do that.”

Perizzolo is now responsible for overseeing all athletics; making sure teams have coaches, providing opportunities to as many student athletes as possible, and ensuring that coaches (and students) recognize the athletic philosophy and what to expect once they enter school sports.

“We are a Catholic school, so we expect our athletics program to run as such,” he said. “Obviously we expect a certain moral character out of our athletes.”

Perizzolo said that this character is not needed right away necessarily, but students must be willing to learn it throughout the season.

“We really stress and focus the development of student athletes rather than the banners on the wall,” he said. “We still are a fairly young school, and they’re starting to accumulate, but I think that’s something that Michael had started, and I think that’s something we need to continue with; the focus on the development of the skills necessary in terms of physical, but also our psychological and cooperation skills our students learn while playing sports.”

Meetings have already begun with coaches and staff for the year’s sports teams.

“We’re fortunate to have a very athletically-inclined staff here at the school, with a few teachers who have played post-secondary sports,” Perizzolo said. “We’re really blessed in that regard in that there’s such a talented group of teachers here who are willing to volunteer their time.”

Perizzolo himself coaches the senior girls volleyball team, and will assist with track later on in the season. 

Last year was the first time an HCC had went to provincials with boys’ basketball. Perizzolo hopes to do that this year with his girls, especially since our zone has the wildcard birth for the province.

“We should have a good season for our senior boys and senior girls teams. They’re looking pretty strong,” he said. “Tons of athletes in junior high too, so the volleyball teams are looking really promising.”

Perizzolo’s senior girls have their home opener on Sept. 25.