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Mastrangelo steps down as hoop coach at Peabody High

Wednesday, May, 14 By Jean DePlacido
Correspondent

Chris Mastrangelo, who guided the Peabody High boys basketball team for the past 11 years, resigned from his post yesterday.

Citing a combination of reasons that factored into his decision, Mastrangelo told Peabody High athletic director Phil Sheridan about his intentions recently, and informed his players of his decision yesterday.

"First of all, I have a young daughter (2-year-old Carmella). There were too many mornings when I left for school before she was up, and by the time I got home after basketball she was asleep," Mastrangelo explained. "My wife (Christine) has her own business now, and my new job as Dean of Students at (Peabody High) all played a part in this decision.

"I knew I couldn't do the job the way I wanted to | do it right and give 100 percent."

The 39-year-old Mastrangelo said because of his new job at the high school, there are restrictions on when he could make practice.

"I knew it was time. This was the easiest toughest decision I've ever made."

He thanked his wife for her constant support of him and his coaching, saying she didn't miss more than two games over nine years before their daughter was born.

"Christine literally drove back from Albany to Somerville to see us play when she was a regional manager before she started her own business. She always supported me completely, "Mastrangelo said.

"I've been so fortunate to have the support of so many people | Sheridan, who is not only a phenomenal athletic director, but an even better person, and (PHS principal) Ed Sapienza, who told me to be sure before stepping down.

"In all my years, the high point has been all the connections I made with parents, players, teachers and other coaches. I have made lifelong friends because of my job," he added.

Seven of Mastrangelo's 11 teams reached the state tournament, with the 2002 squad sharing the Greater Boston League title and eventually reaching the North final before falling to Acton-Boxboro. That club was led by stalwarts such as Kevin Bettencourt, Jeff Allison, Mark Sakelakos, Ryan Devereaux, Alex Stephen and Robbie Breckenridge.

His first team, in 1997-98, remains one of his all-time favorites. It wasn't their record (3-17) that impressed him, but rather their constant effort. They upset a powerful Beverly team the first year of the North Shore Hoop Invitational, and Mastrangelo still recalls his team going all out at practice before their final game of the season.

"The players on my first team are now older than I was when I started coaching. They are my peers now | Chris Sakelakos is an assistant coach in Salem," he said. "I've gone to their weddings and baby's Christenings."

He also has a special feeling for last season's 7-13 team; one that wasn't the most talented, but got the most out of their abilities. Nine of the squad's 20 games came down to the last shot.

 Mastrangelo | known "Uncle Coach" to his young nieces and nephews and simply "Coach" by his neighbor, 82-year-old former Peabody football standout Ray Kako | said he's proud of what he and his teams accomplished.

His assistant for the last eight years, Peabody High teacher Domenic Coleman, would be an excellent choice to replace him, he said.

"I'll still be around the gym taking in games," Mastrangelo said. "The next time you see me coaching, it will probably be for a bunch of 6-year-old girls when my daughter is ready to play."