Christian Brothers Academy announced today that longtime varsity football coach Joe Casamento has been named a Director at the Entrepreneur, Innovation and Leadership Institute at St. John’s Collegiate High School in Washington, DC. In addition, he will be the associate head coach and the offensive coordinator of the varsity football team.

The school will begin a search for a new varsity football coach immediately. Casamento informed his team about his new position this afternoon.

“CBA is home. It’s my family,” said an emotional Casamento. “That is why this a difficult decision for me. Everyone has always been so supportive at CBA and I’m grateful and blessed that I have had this wonderful opportunity to coach here and mentor so many fine young men.

“But, at the same time, this position will allow me to continue my leadership program, which is a passion of mine, on a national level. Everything that we have done here at CBA as far as leadership and service can now be put on a world stage to where it can be hopefully bigger and better. That’s my mission.”

During his 16 seasons at CBA, Casamento accumulated a 143-27 record. He led the Brothers to the 2004 Class AA State Championship, the first ever for a Section III team and eight Sectional Titles. Many of Casamento’s players went on to play college football at the Division I level, including every team in the Ivy League.

“Coach Casamento has made a huge impact on Christian Brothers Academy athletics,” said Principal Brother Joseph Jozwiak, FSC. “Far more important to us, however, is the impact he has made on the student athletes he has coached and mentored over the years. That experience will help shape them as caring, respectful, disciplined leaders and will remain with them for a lifetime. Joe represents the essence of the Lasallian spirit. Such is his legacy at CBA. The entire community joins me in wishing him well and thanking him for his service to our mission.”

Said John “Buddy” Wleklinski, Director of Athletics: “Coach Casamento has had tremendous success here. His record speaks for itself. He brought CBA football to a high level of competition. He has left the program in great shape and the framework he has instituted should ensure it continued success. We are grateful for what he has done here and although he will be missed, we support him and wish him the best of luck.”