Presidents Welcome
Massachusetts High School Football Coaches,
As a long-time and proud member of the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our coaches a successful, safe, and rewarding season.
I have had the privilege of being surrounded by Hall of Fame coaches throughout my entire life—from Arthur Ruggles and William Tighe on the recreation fields, to H.R. Margarita and Tom Kasprzak at Stoneham High School; from Steve Strauss and Pat Preston in California, to Joe Mason and Tom Costello in Boston Public Schools. Their examples have helped shape my understanding of what it means to be a coach, mentor, teacher, and leader.
Of all the generations we have experienced, it would be difficult to find a more complex and challenging time to be a parent, teacher, or coach. High school football and athletics have never been more important or more needed. We all understand that the physical, emotional, and mental development of today's student-athlete helps lay the foundation for their future lives, families, and communities.
Every city, town, and community in Massachusetts faces its own unique challenges. While the faces may be different, the headwinds we face are often the same. These obstacles can block or hinder our success, but they can also create incredible opportunities. Coaches know how to recognize and take advantage of opportunities, and for the MHSFCA to continue to grow and prosper, we need one another.
There are many ways for you to become involved in our association. Every league in the Commonwealth should have a representative attending our meetings. However, our meetings are open to everyone, and all coaches are welcome. New ideas, perspectives, and voices are always encouraged.
There are also many important initiatives and events that depend on the involvement of our coaches and volunteers, including:
Our annual membership drive is now open for the 2026–27 school year. We ask that you submit your annual dues before the end of September. Your membership and support are essential to helping us maintain and expand the programs and services of our association.
In closing, it is both an honor and a privilege to represent the coaches of Massachusetts. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as President of the MHSFCA, and I thank all of you for your continued commitment to our student-athletes, our schools, and the game we all love.
I wish each of you a healthy, safe, and successful season.
Sincerely,
Rocco Zizza
Teacher/Coach
Boston Latin Academy
President, MHSFCA 2026-2027
As a long-time and proud member of the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our coaches a successful, safe, and rewarding season.
I have had the privilege of being surrounded by Hall of Fame coaches throughout my entire life—from Arthur Ruggles and William Tighe on the recreation fields, to H.R. Margarita and Tom Kasprzak at Stoneham High School; from Steve Strauss and Pat Preston in California, to Joe Mason and Tom Costello in Boston Public Schools. Their examples have helped shape my understanding of what it means to be a coach, mentor, teacher, and leader.
Of all the generations we have experienced, it would be difficult to find a more complex and challenging time to be a parent, teacher, or coach. High school football and athletics have never been more important or more needed. We all understand that the physical, emotional, and mental development of today's student-athlete helps lay the foundation for their future lives, families, and communities.
Every city, town, and community in Massachusetts faces its own unique challenges. While the faces may be different, the headwinds we face are often the same. These obstacles can block or hinder our success, but they can also create incredible opportunities. Coaches know how to recognize and take advantage of opportunities, and for the MHSFCA to continue to grow and prosper, we need one another.
There are many ways for you to become involved in our association. Every league in the Commonwealth should have a representative attending our meetings. However, our meetings are open to everyone, and all coaches are welcome. New ideas, perspectives, and voices are always encouraged.
There are also many important initiatives and events that depend on the involvement of our coaches and volunteers, including:
- Annual Coaches Clinic at Gillette Stadium
- Annual Hall of Fame Banquet
- The Super 26 and All-State Divisional Teams
Our annual membership drive is now open for the 2026–27 school year. We ask that you submit your annual dues before the end of September. Your membership and support are essential to helping us maintain and expand the programs and services of our association.
In closing, it is both an honor and a privilege to represent the coaches of Massachusetts. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as President of the MHSFCA, and I thank all of you for your continued commitment to our student-athletes, our schools, and the game we all love.
I wish each of you a healthy, safe, and successful season.
Sincerely,
Rocco Zizza
Teacher/Coach
Boston Latin Academy
President, MHSFCA 2026-2027
