Milestone victory for Bellport's Cipp
Bellport head coach Joe Cipp holds up the game ball as the winningest coach in Suffolk County football. (Nov. 20, 2010) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
Two coaching legends met at midfield and shared a moment Saturday. Bellport coach Joe Cipp Jr. accepted congratulations from his longtime friend Sal Ciampi, who now assists his son Sal J. at East Islip. The Clippers had just beaten East Islip, 32-14 to capture the Suffolk Division II football championship at LaValle Stadium at Stony Brook University.
The win was the 210th of Cipp's 32-year career. He surpassed Comsewogue coach Tom Cassese as Suffolk's winningest football coach. His career record is 210-87-3, including four Long Island championships.
"I shook his hand and said, 'Great career,' " Ciampi said. "I coached against him for years and I have tremendous respect for him . . . We had tremendous games against each other. Joe and I respect each other and our families. We both have passed the batons to our sons."
"It's not just about the win and No. 210," Joe Cipp Jr. said, "this is about a Bellport community and family that has come together behind a great football program."
That sentiment was echoed by his son, Joe Cipp III, Bellport's offensive coordinator. "I've grown up watching my father build this program," Joe III said. "He started in 1976 . . . His legacy will always reflect that he was a fair man, who believed in family first and developing his players to become good fathers, husbands and men."
His son, Jeff Cipp, the defensive coordinator, said he's proud to coach alongside the man who committed his life to the program.
"He's a tough guy, a disciplinarian with high expectations," Jeff said. "He stands by his principles and doesn't waiver from them."
