Fred Fusaro, an 83-year-old high school football coach in Huntington, New York, has been a significant figure in Long Island football for over 55 years. He has mentored numerous players, including four who reached the NFL, such as Giants Super Bowl champion John "Jumbo" Elliott. Fusaro, a former noseguard at Huntington, expressed his passion for coaching, stating, "If you get involved in coaching, you’ve got to love it … and I love these kids."
Fusaro has a record of more than 200 victories and has inspired over 150 players to continue their football careers at the collegiate level. His contributions to the sport have been recognized with two Rutgers Cups and multiple county titles. He has also played a pivotal role in developing future coaches, with at least 50 of his former players entering the profession.
After stepping down from his role at Sachem High School in 2002, Fusaro joined John Glenn High School as an assistant coach under former player Dave Shanahan. Together, they won back-to-back Long Island championships in 2010 and 2011. Fusaro was recently inducted into the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, with many of his former players attending the ceremony. He has returned to coaching at his alma mater, the Blue Devils, who currently have a record of 2-1. Fusaro reflected on his career, stating, "I’ve been blessed, truly blessed, to have the kids that I had and the dedicated coaches that I had over the years."