Gino Capone’s Sports Legacy Continues

The 10th annual Gino Capone Wrestling Tournament was held at Mahanoy Area High School in February. Capone’s daughter, Monica, pictured above, attended with her family.

For many years, Gino Capone, a 1943 graduate of what was then Mahanoy City High School, provided his services as a sports trainer at Mahanoy Area. “Wrestling, football, basketball, both girls and boys teams,” says Monica. “My dad loved helping the kids.” There are now two training rooms in his name at the school.

Gina Capone was involved with the American Red Cross for more than 60 years. He taught CPR and first aid to schools, firehouses and other community groups.

He began volunteering as a sports trainer at Mahanoy Area in 1969 when his sons, Gino, Jr. ’70 who passed away in 1983 and Edward ’71, were involved in wrestling and football. He then became the trainer for all of the school’s sports events. “He was there when my sister Maryann and I were on cheerleading, and when his grandchildren were involved in sports,” adds Monica.

“Although he worked full-time at PP&L, he loved donating his time and knowledge to the sports teams,” says Monica. “Our family is very proud of the tournament in his name.”

Photo above by Oceana O’Boyle.