Year Inducted: 1992
Nominated By: Jim Conrad and Michael J. Marcovecchio
Sports Competed In: N/A
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Coach, Administrator
Tano Ozzello
High School:
Attended Trinidad H.S., in Trinidad, CO, graduating in 1951.
College:
Went to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO where he graduated in 1955...Continued his post-graduate studies at Adams State College in Alamosa, CO working on a Masters Degree...He also earned a Principal Certificate from the University of Denver and a Superintendent Certificate from Western State College in Gunnison, CO.
Coaching Career:
Coached both football and basketball at Pueblo Catholic H.S. and Roncalli.
Achievements:
Coaching:
● As the Shamrocks basketball coach, posted an 85-15 record and won the Southern Colorado Parochial League crown four straight years from 1964-67.
● In Roncalli's first year in the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), they got beat in the last quarter in a game against the Wheatridge Farmer (March 4, 1968).
Contributions:
● Spent 35 years in education administration.
● Begin his career as a teacher/coach for four years (1955-59) at Primero Union School, moved on to work the next three years (1960-63) in the Trinidad Public Schools.
● Moved to Pueblo where he worked at Pueblo Catholic High School from 1963-71.
● Worked for one year as both the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Roncalli High School in Pueblo (1971).
● Moved to the eastern plains and taking over the Principal duties for the next 20 years at La Junta High School from 1971-91.
● Member of the Executive Committee for the CHSAA for seven years (1983-90) and served as its President for two years (1987-89).
● Played a key roll on the development and implementation of "War On Drugs" program that includes a series of statewide seminars for high school and junior high students, as well as coaches and parents, to battle the war on drugs.
Quotes:
"Ozzello was as crafty as he was animated and high-spirited, one of the city’s more interesting and successful coaches."
-- Dave Socier, The Pueblo Chieftain
Occupation:
Worked as a teacher, coach and administrator
Personal:
Lived in Pueblo with his wife, Mary.. Passed away on February 24, 2005 at age 71.
