Birmingham

Fracassa confirms decision to return to Rice sidelines for 2012 season

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

» Click on image to view full size « File photo by Andrew Potter Brother Rice coach Al Fracassa recently decided to return to the team for the 2012 season, saying he’s going to take things one year at a time. He led the Warriors to a D-2 state title this fall. File photo by Andrew Potter Brother Rice coach Al Fracassa recently decided to return to the team for the 2012 season, saying he’s going to take things one year at a time. He led the Warriors to a D-2 state title this fall.

BIRMINGHAM — As he sat, speaking calmly and somehow collected after what was a thrilling three hours of football, it was obvious how content Al Fracassa was with the present state of his team and his role as its coach.

It was the future he didn’t seem sure of.

While no member of the media — which was gathered for the press conference following the Division 2 state title his Birmingham Brother Rice squad had just captured — specifically asked Fracassa if the victory at Ford Field would be the last of his legendary career, he hinted at the notion that that may exactly be the case.

He said he “felt good” and wouldn’t mind coming back, but avoided saying he’d for sure return in 2012.

Until last week.

“I’m going to take things one year at a time, but I’ll be back for at least one more season,” Fracassa said days after making the announcement official at the team’s season-ending banquet. “I have good coaches around me and I’m still enjoying this, so why not keep doing it?”

Fracassa, whose 405 victories are the most in MHSAA history, guided Rice to an improbable run to the state title this fall, finishing the season 10-4 after a 4-4 start.

He said in the weeks following the last win, his seventh state title, the option of retirement was one he did consider.

“I thought about it, sure,” he explained, “but I had to look in the mirror. I mean, I’m feeling good, and I’m still enjoying everything about this. … I’m not the retiring type, I guess. I don’t like to just sit around.”

Fracassa, 79, began coaching in 1960 at Royal Oak Shrine and moved to Brother Rice prior to the 1969 season. He won his 400th career game on the final day of the regular season this year, earned an at-large berth to the 2011 postseason, and then went on a magical five-week ride en route to the state championship.

Still, he reiterated the point that finishing his career on top would weigh little when it came to casting his decision as to stepping aside or coming back.

“Wins are great, but coaching — being associated with those kids, working at practice — that’s what I love,” Fracassa said. “I still enjoy this so much. After next year, I’ll go over things again and see what decision is best. But right now, I’m not ready to walk away.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038.