Coaches

Coach Gazzillo

Head Coach, Quarterback and Defensive Line Coach

Computer Teacher for PROGRESS High School
for Professional Careers

Awards
Newsday All-Borough Coach of The Year for Brooklyn 2002
Brooklyn Coaches Association All-Star Team Head Coach 2001
Brooklyn Coaches Association All-Star Assistant Coach 2002/2003
Boomer Esiason Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge Defensive Line Coach 2002/2004
Undefeated Season-2002/2004
Brooklyn II Champs -2002/2004
United High School Officials Sportsmanship Award-1998

Coach Gazzillo has been the head coach of The Wolves since 1999. He started the program as a club and has built the team up from there. In just his second season at the varsity level, he lead his team to an undefeated season (9-0) and a play-off birth. Gazzillo did it again in 2004. Once again, Gazzillo lead The Wolves to another undefeated season(8-0), their second undefeated season in just three years.

Not only is Coach Gazzillo the founding father of Grand Street Campus Football, he is also responsible unifying the athletic teams of Grand Street. Gazzillo picked the official school nick name, The Wolves and school colors, Columbia Blue and Black which was approved by the principals of Grand Street Campus. Gazzillo also designed the school logo "The Wolf"

In addition, Gazzillo was one of the driving forces behind the new $5,000,000 athletic field. Gazzillo contacted Take the Field to initiate talks and tell them that Grand Street desperately needed a new field. Once a meeting was set, Gazzillo then delivered the presentation to the Take the Field people, which seal the deal that Grand Street would be the perfect place for them to invest their time and money

Coach Gazzillo’s success is based on one principal – hard work. The evidence that hard work pays dividends is clear, including an undefeated season and a play off birth in just his second year as head coach. Then doing it again in 2004. During his tenure at Grand Street, Gazzillo has built one of the most prosperous and solid football programs in the country.

"Ed Gazzillo has done one of the best coaching jobs in the city, taking Grand Street Campus' second-year varsity program into the mix of PSAL heavyweights.", Newsday.

"If we were picking a Top Coach, Ed Gazzillo would be a terrific choice." PSAL.org.".

"Ed Gazzillo has done an outstanding job with his young team.", Daily News.

A teacher on the field and off, it is not unusual to observe Gazzillo in the trenches instructing his charges during a game or practice. Hands-on is a great description of his coaching style and a true indication of his success.

Dedication, preparation, and commitment are qualities held true by Gazzillo. Gazzillo and The Wolves compete with the very best in high school football, in Brooklyn II division and on the city level.

Coach Gazzillo started his coaching career at an early age. Before The Wolves, Coach Gazzillo was an offensive coordinator for The Parkville Bengals. His contributions lead the team to a 9-1 record. The next season Gazzillo was appointed Head Coach, which made him the youngest head coach in league history. In just his second year as head coach he lead his team to an 11-0 season. The first undefeated season in the league’s 25 year history. Gazzillo than left Parkville to pursue a career in high school football where he was the assistant to Chris App for 6 years, (1993-1995 at Lafayette High School and 1996-1998 at New Dorp High School) coaching wide receivers and defensive linemen.

During his career as a football coach, Gazzillo has had the opportunity to have a positive influence on hundreds of kids. Through his insight, guidance, motivation, and commitment to excellence, Coach Gazzillo has helped pave the path for success for those student athletes he has worked with.

Here’s what some of Coach Gazzillo’s former players had to say about their coach.

“He’s a perfectionist as a football coach, but the things he instills in his players go far beyond what football can ever teach you. He teaches you how to accept life and deal with the challenges life has to offer. He makes more that football players. He helps make people.”
Javon Sistrunk
Grand Street Campus 2000-2002

“The trust, care, and commitment concept that he brought to the team was great for me because you can use it in all aspects of your life. You can use that not only in football, but with your family, friends, and business associates. Coach Gazzillo emphasizes that you have to be trust worthy to be a winner. You have to care for the task at hand and you have to be committed excellence. If you do those things on a constant basis, you can achieve your goals.”
Angel Vargas
Grand Street Campus 1999-2002

Coach Gazzillo is married to Dawn Ricci-Gazzillo and father to Maverick Anthony, Mia Rose, and Ella Kate. The Gazzillo family resides in Whitestone, New York.