NFF honors Ciao and Few as coaches of the year

Posted Dec 8, 2011 by Katherine Smith

Updated Dec 8, 2011 at 03:51 PM

Berkeley Prep coach Dominick Ciao capped off the Bucs most storied season with an honor from his peers.

Ciao was named the National Football Foundation’s Billy Turner Coach of the Year during a ceremony at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tampa Thursday afternoon. It’s the second time Ciao has earned the award. He was named Coach of the Year at Jesuit in 2001.

Ciao thanked his assistant coaches and players, many of whom were on hand to see the longtime coach honored.

One of Ciao’s former assistants at Jesuit, John Few, was named the Roland Acosta Assistant Coach of the Year. Few, the co-defensive coordinator at Plant, thanked his “support system” which included his family, coaches and players.

Other awards given out at the annual luncheon were three Special Awards. Armwood coach Sean Callahan presented one to Bill McBride and his family for their support of the Hawks football team. Brandon coach John Lima presented one to Eagles defensive backs coach Terrell Williams for his dedication to the Brandon football team. And Newsome’s Jeff Shotwell presented one to Cornac McCarthy, his wife Laura and J.J. Massaro and the support of Beef O’Bradys.

Leto coach Matt Kitchie accepted the West Coast Officials Association Sportsmanship Award on behalf of his Falcons team.

Vernon Korhn, the NFF Executive Director made special mention of the passing of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Lee Roy Selmon and all his contributions to the community.

“He was always a gentleman and I never heard anybody make an unkind remark about Lee Roy,’’ Korhn said. “That’s the way we should all be.’‘

In concluding the luncheon, master of ceremonies Rick Nafe wished luck to Armwood and Plant. Both teams play in state semifinal contests Friday night.

“You are probably the best teams in the state of Florida in high school, college and the pros,’’ Nafe joked. “We just want someone to win in this state.’‘

You can read more about the award recipients in tomorrow’s Tampa Tribune.