A Tribute to Joe Nastasi, submitted by Coach Dave MaHaffey I recently had a long conversation with a young coach who was telling me about his desire to be a head coach. As I discussed the highs and lows of being a head coach with my young firend, he interrupted me with, "Who is this Joe you keep talking about?" It was at that moment I realized something, I do not know if I ever properly thanked Joe Nastasi for his guidance, teachings, and friendship that has helped me along my way as a teacher and coach.
I arrived to Northern Bedford about two weeks prior to football season and my first meeting with Coach was in his living room. His fabulous wife Rena entertained and fed (the first of about 500 times) me as we waited for Joe to get home from the paper mill. He came in, talked with me for about 15 minutes, told me when to be at the school, and welcomed me to his coaching staff. He talked very little football with me, but did talk about family, the importance of the tradition at NBC, and about the other coaches and their positions.
Several years later and a lot of football discussions and clinic trips, Coach gave me the go ahead to take another coaching position. It was the first in a line of moves that have seen me as the head coach at two different high schools, take a trip to the National Div-2 playoffs as a d-line coach, and presently as a an Athletic Director/Defensive Coordinator at two time defending conference champion Boonsboro in Maryland. Without the guidance of Coach Nastasi I do not believe I would have been able to make the moves I have with confidence.
Joe taught me that to have a strong, dedicated team, you better lead by example. If the players are going to work, then you better work just as hard. To build leaders - you have to be a leader. He taught me that the rigors of practice and brow beating can take a large toll on a team. But, by letting the players know that your care for them as people and then players, you can get the most out of all of them instead of just the elite. I saw him get more out of players and teams than anyone ever expected.
More importantly though, he also showed me that coaching and family go together. I had the privilege of teaching and coaching all three of the Nastasi children: Danielle, Joe, and AJ. While I was able to know the coach, I am even more thankful I know him as a father. His dedication to his family gave me the idea that being a dedicated coach does not mean leaving your family at home. My kids have been on the field, mats, and track at everyone of my stops and I am thankful that I had those moments with them over the years.
Coach, Joe, Boss: I do not know if I ever said this to you directly, but Thank You. Being your assistant was an opportunity to learn from a great coach, but being your friend is something for which I am truly grateful. |