Copiague HS Dedicates Wrestling Room To Beloved Coach

COPIAGUE, NY — The Copiague School District recently honored the legacy of a longtime teacher, who passed away from liver cancer.

Board of education members, administrators, family, friends, colleagues, student-athletes and community members gathered on Friday for to rename the wrestling room after Anthony Cipriano, a wrestling coach and physical education teacher.

Cipriano died on July 11, 2022, at the age of 52 after a short battle with liver cancer. Known “Coach Cip,” he led the Copiague High School wrestling program for 15 years, recording his 100th dual meet victory last season, the Amityville Record said.

Cipriano’s mother cut the official ribbon as guests entered the newly named wrestling room. In memory of Cipriano, the Copiague Booster Club gifted a jacket in his memory and Susan E. Wiley Elementary School Principal Cynthia Florio unveiled a bench that will be placed outside the school in his honor.

In addition to the sign in the wrestling room, signage also hangs outside in the hallway for anyone who walks past the doors.

“The community has been so supportive and has opened their hearts and arms to us,” said wrestling coach and teacher Darwin Ryan. “We all recognize that one man alone cannot replace Coach Cip. And we have all picked up the pieces and carried his legacy on.”