November 30, 2008Trinity Sends Fox Out a Winnerfrom The Stamford Advocate STAMFORD - Those close to the program will say it is too soon for Trinity Catholic High School football coach Bryan Fox to be leaving, but none would argue that his decision is consistent with his principles, according to Tracy Nichols, the school's athletic director. "Bryan brought credibility back to the program, both on and off the field," Nichols said. "It's a family thing, the thing he professed, family, faith and football, in that order, and is the reason he's not coming back. He did what he preached, he's young enough that he could come back and coach some day. We appreciate all he has done and what he will continue to do." Fox is leaving the position he called many times the best and only coaching job he ever wanted. When Nichols decided the program needed a new direction five years ago, he turned to Fox, who had played under the legendary Mickey Lione, to restore order. Fox spoke about his feelings for his players and gave them credit for his success as he fought back tears after his team's 21-14 win over Wilton on Thanksgiving Day. "They mean the world to me, they mean everything," said Fox. "It's been the best time for me, I've been involved with (Trinity football) for 15 years, just about half my life. I think the kids brought the program back." The young coach took over a program in disarray. Then he meticulously surrounded himself with other former Trinity players who felt as Fox did about the school and its football legacy. They taught the current players how to be true Crusaders and brought respect back to the team. Fox leaves with a career mark of 24-27 in his four seasons. But that includes a 7-4 record this year and going 7-3 along with a city championship in 2006. The Crusaders, in terms of size and numbers, usually have a much smaller unit than the teams they play against. But ask those opponents how many times they left the field black and blue after a battle with the Crusaders. Stamford coach Kevin Jones said Trinity had a remarkable transformation under Fox. "We will definitely miss Bryan, we all respect the decision he made, which is probably the right one," said Jones. "He certainly earned the respect of the coaches around the league with the job he did in turning around a program that had really fallen on hard times." Vinny Cortese, who achieved All-FCIAC status playing linebacker and fullback for Trinity from 2004-06, said the coach inspired the team with his enthusiasm. "He brought a lot of passion and commitment, he made you feel like he was one of us," said Cortese. "He was somebody you wanted to play for and do well. I feel sorry for the guys that will not get to play for him." Trinity Catholic principal Robert D'Aquila said the amount of dedication Fox brought to the job came as no surprise to him. "I've been very happy with his work over the last five years, it's going to be a tough loss," said D'Aquila. "Having taught him, I know he brought the same intensity that he had in the classroom to the field. He is an excellent coach." Fox leaves behind a lot of grateful players who know they are better off for having been under his tutelage. Junior Vince Carter, who ran for 36 yards and made the game-saving play on defense in Thursday's Wilton game, expressed the sentiment of many of his teammates. "We were (beating Wilton) for coach Fox, the whole game was for coach Fox," said Carter. "He's the only head coach I've ever had, he's a great coach. He helped me out with everything, that's why I did well today." Fox leaves behind a program in better shape than the one he inherited. So his replacement may find a transition easier but not seamless because Fox also leaves behind a legacy as the perfect man for an imperfect time. Copyright © 2008, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.
 Big senior defensive tackle Vladimir Joseph swims by an offensive lineman in a 28-20 home victory over Fairfield Ludlowe on October 29, 2005. (CrusaderNation.net / Dana Maul)
 Junior defensive tackle Santiago "Teggy" Steele wraps up a Darien
rusher as his
 Junior center Cory Johnson prepares to snap the ball to fellow classmate
 The Crusader offensive line pushes Bassick around in the mud. The
Crusaders
 Senior wideout Rob Hawthorn races downfield to block as junior fullback
Eric Stephens
 2005 All-FCIAC East Offense Row 1, Left to Right: Eric Wells, Bassick; Willie Epps, McMahon;
Pete Raymond,
 2005 All-FCIAC East Defense Row 1, Left to Right: Joe Luchesi, Danbury; Greg Sabo, Danbury; James
Taylor, Danbury;
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