Raider Football takes Center Stage
Martin and Cappotelli inducted into Hall of Fame

   The 62nd Annual Dinner honoring the Football Squad, the Cheerleading Squad and the 2007 Cal-Mum Football Hall of Fame Inductees was held on Sunday, December 2nd at J.W. Jones Hall. This annual event, as in the recent past, was sponsored by the Caledonia Hook & Ladder, the Big Springs Pumper Company and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Caledonia Fire Department.

   The Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event was James Dutton. The Caledonia Fire Department was represented during the presentation ceremonies by Caledonia Fire Chief, Tony DeMarco.

   Following the dinner, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Mike Monacelli first introduced Michelle Carson, the Varsity Cheerleading Coach. Mrs. Carson praised the team for progress made throughout the season. Though the team lacked a senior among its ranks, the juniors on the squad stepped to the forefront and guided the squad. Honors for the cheerleaders include LCAA All-Star status for Chelsea Anderson, Taylor Binnert and Chelsea Huff and Honorable Mention for Taryn Poole and Kristen Farrell. Mrs. Carson recognized Chelsea Huff as the recipient of this year’s Coaches Award and Danielle Clark as the team’s Most Improved.

   Coach Monacelli was the next speaker and he addressed this year’s football team. Coach Monacelli took special time to thank this year’s seniors. They played hard and he was proud to have coached such a fine group of men. He mentioned that the three losses absorbed by the team could have easily been victories if one or two of the plays outcome, were different. Using the three losses as a point, he stated that in life, you can work hard and do the right things and still things may not come out as you wish. Regardless of the outcome, don’t give up, continue to do the right things and eventually you will succeed. He also spoke of the keys to success for next year’s football team. Those keys are to be found in the weight room. That is where the difference in winning and losing is made. The ball is now in your court.

    Coach Monacelli recognized senior Nate Schiedel as the team’s Defensive Player of the Year. As winner of the award, Nate was presented the hammer that was with the team throughout the season. Tim Sullivan took home the Iron Man Award. The Iron Man is presented to the player who though not the biggest or the strongest, brings a desire that transcends his stature and strength and makes a positive impact for the team.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

   This year’s inductees have their roots in the heyday of the 90’s for Cal-Mum Football. Both men were pivotal to the success of those teams, and each was a leader of their team in different ways.

   First Inductee, Tom Martin was a 3-year starter for the Raiders. His 3-year record was 32-2. In 1992 and 1993 he was on the #1 Class "C" football team in the state. Tom was the 1993 MVP for Section V Class "C" Sectionals. Tom also scored 2 touchdowns against Rye in the 1st ever Class "C" State Championship game. At the time, Cal-Mum’s enrollment stood at 222 and Rye’s enrollment a hefty 389, a testament to the David vs. Goliath mentality of Cal-Mum Football of which Tom was a big part of. Coach Monacelli stated, "Tom was not the biggest player on the field but he always played big." Coach Monacelli had a particular story about Tom Martin, which he shared with the gathering about Tom’s incredible desire to play the game of football. Coach said, "Tom’s will to play was stronger than any pain from an injury. During a game Tom might disappear behind the bench, Coach asked where Tom was? Tom Martin was behind the bench putting his shoulder back in place so he could get back on the field and play." "That’s how tough a football player Tom Martin was," Coach Monacelli replied. Tom’s speech was short and to the point, he to this day still bleeds Cal-Mum Red. Tom Martin always let his playing do his talking. Enough said! Go Raider!

   The second Inductee, Matt Cappotelli was a 4-year starter at Cal-Mum, beginning in 1994. As a freshman, Matt, a starting defensive back, set a NYS Finals record with 3 interceptions against Rensselaer, in a 36 to 20 Raider Championship victory. Matt followed up with a sophomore year as the starting quarterback in addition to holding down the D-back position. He received Honorable Mention from both the LCAA and All Greater Rochester. Junior year for Matt was a breakout season as he rushed for 1796 yards in just 198 carries, good for a 9.07 yards/carry. He added 19 touchdowns to the Raider scoring parade. He carried the Red Raiders all the way to the NYS Class "D" finals before finally losing to Valhalla as the Raiders fell just short of their 4th consecutive State Championship. His honors that year included 1st Team LCAA Defensive-back and Halfback, 1st team All Greater Rochester Halfback and NYS Player of the year as voted by the NYSFCA. During Matt’s senior year, he continued to impress. He rushed for 1806 yards in 191 carries, for an even more astounding 9.20 yards/carry. He recorded 21 touchdowns. Once again his honors included: 1st Team LCAA Defensive-back and Halfback, 1st team All Greater Rochester Half-back, Section V Class "C" Player of the Year, NYS Class "C" 1st team Half-back and NYS Class "C" Player of the year as voted by the NYSFCA. Matt concluded his high school career by participating in the first NYS Golden 50 Team that played New Jerseys All-Star squad in Rutgers Stadium. He continued his football career at Western Michigan before a knee injury forced him to the sideline. Matt refocused his efforts and dove full force into professional wrestling. Matt became a contestant on the TV reality show "Tough Enough." He eventually won the reality show competition and as a result began a promising career in professional wrestling.

   Matt Cappotelli holds a special place not only in Cal-Mum football lore but more so in thoughts and hearts of his family and his many friends throughout the communities of Caledonia and Mumford. His medical challenges have been previously documented on this website and that being said, we always keep Matt in our thoughts, and our prayers. Matt was not able to attend the banquet but his presence was surely felt. Matt’s father, Gary, who shared two emails, which Matt wanted, read at the banquet. True to his character, Matt’s first email was humorous; the second email was pure humble. That is the essence of Matt Cappotelli, both likeable and humble. Go Raider!