High School Coach, Administrator
A graduate of Lancaster High School, where he excelled at football, baseball and track & field, Frank Constantino went on to attend the University at Buffalo, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s of education degrees and his administration certification. During his stay at the university, Constantino started at defensive guard for the varsity football team, where he was nicknamed “the watch charm guard.”
In 1954, after graduating from UB, Constantino accepted a position at Depew High School, where he would remain for 32 years. During this time, Constantino would coach five sports – baseball, volleyball, basketball, track & field and, of course, football.
Constantino’s football record speaks volumes of his amazing ability to motivate his players and produce a winning combination year after year. From 1955, when he took over the varsity squad, until 1987, when he gave it up, Frank Constantino compiled a record of 178-88-7, a .669 winning percentage, and 11 divisional championships.
Of the 33 seasons he guided the Depew team, he recorded 28 winning campaigns. Constantino’s football leadership extended beyond the actual football field, however, and into the administration behind the scenes. For 17 years he was chairman of the Division V, Section VI Football Federation.
Constantino has been honored several times for his achievements. A great tribute was paid him in 1972, when he was named Western New York Football “Coach of the Year.”
However, perhaps the greatest tribute to Constantino was given to him by his own Depew High School in 1987 with its dedication of the “Frank Constantino Sports Complex,” which includes facilities for tennis and track & field, as well as football.