ALBION, NY — Albion Central School District is excited to announce the dedication of the Richard C. Diminuco Athletic Complex in 2024.
Named for the record-setting former Albion Athletic Director and football head coach Richard Diminuco, fondly called “Coach D” by his players, the athletic complex will encompass all of the newly turfed fields including Spierdowis Field, the multipurpose fields, soccer fields, softball fields, concession stand and Stackwick Field House.
As one of Coach D’s former players, Superintendent of Albion Schools Mickey Edwards said this dedication is “so well deserved.”
“It is a privilege to be able to honor such an influential man who impacted, not just my life, but the lives of all of his students and colleagues,” Edwards said. “We will be forever grateful for his impact on not just our athletic program, but our District as a whole. Once a Purple Eagle. Always a Purple Eagle.”
During his 34-year coaching tenure, Diminuco was named Coach of the Decade for the 1980s, recorded 204 wins and was selected as New York State Coach of the Year in both 1983 and 1984. In 2004, Diminuco was inducted into the Ottawa University Braves Athletic Hall of Fame and has also been inducted into the Section V and Section VI Halls of Fame. This October marks 10 years since Coach D was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
In a letter to the Albion Board of Education, read during the October 3, 2023 meeting, one of Diminuco’s former players Daniel Monacelli championed the dedication of the complex.
“Too often, we recognize the achievements of fellow community members after they are gone and miss the opportunity to
celebrate with those who deserve this recognition,” Monacelli wrote. “He provided leadership and stability to those around him…and, under his guidance, our athletic department was a proud Purple Eagle family that flourished.”
Diminuco has lived in Albion for the last 48 years, and started his teaching and coaching career as a Purple Eagle. In 1979, he became a teacher in Albion Schools and eventually became the Purple Eagles’ Athletic Director. Diminuco led the Varsity Football Team to New York State Section VI Champions in 1979, 1981, 1983 and 1987.
“It’s important to remember our roots, where we began,” Albion Athletic Director Mariah LaSpina said regarding the dedication of the complex. “We are proud of the passion and dedication Coach D brought to the program and it’s something we hope to emulate every time we take the field.”
When it comes to inspiring the next generation of student athletes, Diminuco said, “If this is your dream and you have the passion, don’t be afraid to go for it. This is one of the rewarding careers where you get to make an impact, a real difference, in someone else’s life.”
Diminuco emphasized that it is the relationships with his fellow coaches, teachers and students that still have a lasting impact in his life today.
“I’ve been in some of my former player’s weddings, I’m a godfather to some of their children,” Diminuco said. “To have that kind of effect on someone, it’s humbling, it’s an honor.”
When he found out about the complex, Diminuco said he was “taken aback and pleasantly surprised.”
“Anytime anyone is recognized for something like this, it is for the whole team - the teachers, the coaches, everyone who supports our student athletes,” Diminuco said. “It’s always been bigger than just me.”
The dedication will take place in 2024, the exact date has yet to be announced.