Jonathan Mucciolo

BREAKING: An end of era in Stepinac football. Hall of Fame head coach Mike O'Donnell is retiring after 37 seasons. A.J. Magee, a former assistant in the program, will replace O'Donnell as Stepinac head coach. Magee spent the last few seasons coach in college, most recently at Wagner. O'Donnell, who will remain as the school's athletic director and involved in football, was only the sixth head football coach in the program's 75 year history. In his time, he won 238 games, four @NYCHSFL AAA Championships, three state crowns, as well as three AA league titles. He helped so many kids go to college and started many on their paths to the professional level. Personally, Coach O'Donnell is one of my favorite people ever in this business. He was the first person I ever interviewed as a reporter in 1998. His team just lost a heartbreaker in what would be a winless season. He sat and calmly answered questions from an 18 year old kid who didn't know what was doing. I'll never forget his professionalism. That day changed me forever and I owe so much of my own career to him for it. Believe me when I say O'Donnell suffered some of the worst losses imaginable and survived some extremely tumultuous seasons. He also led Stepinac on one of the greatest stretches of football this county has ever seen. Through all the highs and lows, the man never changed. O'Donnell is always classy, always kind. His only focus was on helping his players. He never once exuded any shred of ego for his accomplishments. O'Donnell is loved by everyone in the Stepinac community. And he’s admired and respected throughout the Catholic League and in coaching circles around the Tri-State. One thing I've learned in my time is that a lot of coaches across all sports compile impressive numbers and championships. They deserve the recognition. But the great ones, like O'Donnell, will be far more remembered years from now for how he kindly he treated people, how generous he was and how much he cared about his players and his school. For that, "O'D" is truly a legend.

BREAKING: An end of era in Stepinac football. Hall of Fame head coach Mike O'Donnell is retiring after 37 seasons. A.J. Magee, a former assistant in the program, will replace O'Donnell as Stepinac head coach. Magee spent the last few seasons coach in college, most recently at Wagner. O'Donnell, who will remain as the school's athletic director and involved in football, was only the sixth head football coach in the program's 75 year history. In his time, he won 238 games, four @NYCHSFL AAA Championships, three state crowns, as well as three AA league titles. He helped so many kids go to college and started many on their paths to the professional level. Personally, Coach O'Donnell is one of my favorite people ever in this business. He was the first person I ever interviewed as a reporter in 1998. His team just lost a heartbreaker in what would be a winless season. He sat and calmly answered questions from an 18 year old kid who didn't know what was doing. I'll never forget his professionalism. That day changed me forever and I owe so much of my own career to him for it. Believe me when I say O'Donnell suffered some of the worst losses imaginable and survived some extremely tumultuous seasons. He also led Stepinac on one of the greatest stretches of football this county has ever seen. Through all the highs and lows, the man never changed. O'Donnell is always classy, always kind. His only focus was on helping his players. He never once exuded any shred of ego for his accomplishments. O'Donnell is loved by everyone in the Stepinac community. And he’s admired and respected throughout the Catholic League and in coaching circles around the Tri-State. One thing I've learned in my time is that a lot of coaches across all sports compile impressive numbers and championships. They deserve the recognition. But the great ones, like O'Donnell, will be far more remembered years from now for how he kindly he treated people, how generous he was and how much he cared about his players and his school. For that, "O'D" is truly a legend.

NEVER stop chasing your dreams ! Let's Go #64 Jonathan Mucciolo declares for NFL draft ! @KDJmedia1 @hoopsmbd @StepinacAlumni @StepinacHS @jonmocch @BallStateFB