Reminiscing on the "Coach"

By Tony Procaccini

Although many classmates knew him as Bengie or even Mr. Bengermino, his players called him "Coach." And we continue to do this, as I noticed at our 30-year reunion last year. (Include me in that group.)

My most vivid memories of Bengermino come from the JV Baseball season of 1974. The team had great talent, in both the pitching and batting areas. Some of the Warde 1976 class members were also playing part-time on the Varsity level, as I remember: John Varholak and Greg Aiello. Pitcher Paul Liptak, a Warde class of 1975 member, did the same. (Paul, a true gentleman and a scholar, and I have remained great friends.)

The team ended its season with a very impressive record of 12-4. The season is detailed next to the team photo which appeared in the Flame 1974 Supplement. Just one black and white photo, which unfortunately is missing some key players: Bob Henry, Kevin Shay, Frank Fekete and Joe McCormack. Looking at some of the hair styles (Tim Kelly, Steve Schempp and Tony Procaccini stick out) brings back fond memories, too!

OK, let's rewind to the pre-season. Notre Dame of Fairfield was our opponent, at the Warde home field, on a gray day. Bob Henry, who in the very next season (as a junior) would hit 5 HR's, waited patiently for a good pitch. After a few tosses, he swung at a fastball down the pipe.

Well, I remember catching the swing just as it happened, then seeing a towering "moon shot" go toward straightaway centerfield, which at that time was not closed in by a fence. Very few could believe this had really happened. A home run out of the park, at a major league distance. None of us ever saw that again in the same place. If asked, Coach will verify the event.

In both the pre-season and during the regular season, Bengie was a drillmaster, and kept us in tip-top shape. The most taxing drill was the sprint. At any point of a practice, Coach would call for gloves down, and we'd line up. "Sprint!" meant go toward a spot about ten yards away at full pace, where we'd wait for the "Back" order. And we never knew when this would end. We were all exhausted after practices, but the training (physical and mental) resulted in a well-trained and successful team.

Though we dreaded the drill, I think we all learned to appreciate Coach Bengermino both then and in later years. His success in other sports during our times and afterward (women's volleyball, men's basketball and Varsity baseball) come as no surprise.

Tony Procaccini
Warde 1976 30-year Reunion Committee President

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