After 32 years, Calvert Hall basketball coach steps down

For 32 years, Mark Amatucci has been doing what he loves, coaching basketball. But on May 30, he announced that he was stepping down as head varsity basketball coach at Calvert Hall College, Towson, effective June 1.

Amatucci, a 1970 graduate of Calvert Hall served as head coach from 1977-82 and from 1993-present. He also coached the school’s freshman team in 1975-76 and the junior varsity team in 1976-77.

During his tenure, Amatucci has recorded 389 wins in 19 years, including a 34-0 record and a National Championship season in 1981-82. “That has to be my fondest memory, our 1980-1982 run,” said Amatucci recalling being ranked as the top team in the nation in 1982.

Vocal and animated on the sidelines, Coach Amatucci had high expectations for each and every player and guided his teams to a total of three Baltimore Catholic League championships, three Baltimore Catholic League Tournament Championships and two MIAA League Championships. Amatucci is Calvert Hall’s all-time “winningest” head basketball coach.

“I’ve been at this for 32 years and basically, it’s starting to wear on me,” said Amatucci who was named the National Coach of the Year in 1982, Catholic League Coach of the Year (1980- 1981-1982; 1999); Baltimore Sun and Baltimore News American Coach of the Year (1980-1981-1982).
“Stepping down has been on my mind for the last two or three years,” said Amatucci. “There’s so much stress and frustration that goes on during the season. I had to take a look at what it was doing to my health.”

Amatucci has coached over 40 players in high school who continued their careers in college, including Duane Ferrell ’84 (Georgia Tech) and Juan Dixon ’97 (Maryland) who also played in the NBA.

“Mark has served the student athletes in the basketball program well for many years,” said Louis Heidrick, principal. “His coaching days at The Hall will be remembered not only for his successes on the court but more importantly for guiding his players through Calvert Hall, into colleges and on to successful lives. His presence in the basketball program will be missed but we are fortunate that he is continuing his role as guidance counselor.”

Athletic Director Lou Eckerl also acknowledged the contributions of Amatucci, saying “When you think Calvert Hall athletics, you think Bill Karpovich for soccer, Joe Binder for baseball, Augie Miceli for football and Mark Amatucci for basketball.”

Eckerl went on to say that he is sad to see his long-standing coach stepping down at this time, but supports his decision.

Resumes and letters of application for the head coaching job should be submitted to the school by June 22.

Catholic Review

The Catholic Review is the official publication of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.