Rocky Hill Man Wins 'Outstanding Coach' Award

ROCKY HILL, CT — A Rocky Hill man was recognized in Cox Communications' "Outstanding Coaches" campaign.

Brain Graca, a teacher and cross-country coach for Rocky Hill High School, earned the award. Cox Communication made a $1,000 donation to an athletic organization in his name.

A request for nominations was made on Facebook and yielded 150 responses.

"With no shortage of deserving candidates, Cox identified winners in each of its northeast footprint states of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Ohio," according to a statement from Cox. "The winners all shared many qualities, including selfless commitment to community; longstanding tenure in their roles with outstanding track records; and the ability to change lives for the better, every step of the way."

Luke Reilly, a basketball coach with East Catholic High School in Manchester, also won the prize in Connecticut.

“What happens on the field often mirrors what happens in a young person’s life, and the people they meet can help to define those experiences,” Ross Nelson, senior vice president and region manager for Cox Communications in the northeast, said in a statement. “A coach is a natural leader in the community and looked to as a role model for how to build skills and achieve goals. As such, Cox is thrilled to recognize these celebrated coaches and all they’ve accomplished over many years of steadfast commitment.”