comgratulation to Nicholas John Sirianni for wining the best coach in the year
Friday night, Fort Myers coach Sam Sirianni will be attempting to reach a milestone in a team with
a rich history that boasts over 600 victories in its 102-year existence.
Sirianni, who is in his 20th season as head coach, will try to defeat Ida Baker on the road this
Friday in order to record career win number 150. All-time, Sirianni is 7-1 against the Bulldogs.
First of all, Sirianni stated, “I think it’s an accumulation of getting old, and a lot of years.” It’s the
pinnacle of team sports. Above all, it’s about the players, and about having a fantastic staff. The
change that occurred when I became head coach, even though it was really painful and depressing
given the situation—we knew my father’s retirement was imminent before he became ill. It was so
Encountering the formidable task of succeeding his father, the longest-tenured Green Wave coach
from 1969 to 2001 with 244 victories, ten district championships, and fifteen Lee County Athletic
Conference titles, was no easy feat.
Since Sirianni formally succeeded his father in 2002, Don Weekley, Greg Martin, Nick Caserio, and
Steve Lennon have remained on the Fort Myers coaching staff.
“It was so unique and today, you look back 20 years ago and just look at the difference in the
turnover of staffs and turnover of head coaches, I’ve been so blessed of being in an environment
where four or five of us have been here for 20-plus years,” Sirianni stated. “There’s no denying that
it has been truly unique. Although I’m not like statistics, I feel honored and humbled to even be
mentioned in relation to them. Once more, it’s merely an homage to experience and being
surrounded by talented players and personnel.
In addition to finishing 15-5 as a player during his high school career as a Greenie, Sirianni won 141
games as an assistant coach, a feat he said in 2015 he was more proud of.
Sirianni stated, “The 141 wins as an assistant, that’ll be over 290.” Being a part of 300 victories in
both capacities would be very great, if I’m lucky enough to witness that 300th victory. Saying that
I’ve played over 300 games would be an understatement, I suppose. Being head coach was never
the goal. We had our system where I would have worked under Dad for eternity if I had my way. The chances that emerged
about, it was never something I gave much thought to.
“This place has served as home. I’ve had a lot of luck. Over fifty years have passed since I started as
a water boy. I have no further knowledge.”