Tony Grandinette literally wrote the book on New York State scholastic gymnastics. A prime mover in the organization of the sport for high school, Grandinette became the first gymnastics chairman for the New York State Public School Athletic Association. He wrote the original rule book, provided guidelines gleaned from the AAU and NCAA but specifically adapted for the nascent high school competitors. His concept of modified rules for various age groups was later adopted by the International Olympics Committee for its national rule book.
Today, after decades of service in physical education and recreation, Grandinette operates his own physical education school, which offers a perceptual program for children under four years of age, a gymnastics program for ages 5-18, and adult fitness programs.
A native of Carbondale, Pa., Grandinette grew up in Syracuse where he attended Central High. He served two years in the Air Force. After his discharge in 1946, Grandinette attended Syracuse University for a year before transferring to Cortland. He competed for the Red Dragon football, gymnastics, baseball and track teams and coached tennis at Cortland High. Grandinette loved the compexities of gymnastics best, but also displayed style as a football running back. His 75-yard touchdown in the 1948 opener against Clarkson still ranks as one of the longest in the school's history. Active in the MAA, Beta Phi Epsilon, the Newman Club and the Lyceum Committee, he earned a B.S. in physical education in 1949.
Between 1949 and 1953, Grandinette taught in the Syracuse School District while earning a master's degree from Syracuse University. From 1953 to 1955, he worked, as a civilian, for the U.S. Department of Air Force in Tripoli, Libya, teaching and supervising physical education for children and directing the basewide recreational program at Wheelus Air Force Base. Grandinette organized a basketball tournament between the Italian, Arabic and American schools in Tripoli. In appreciation for his efforts, the schools named the trophy in Grandinette's honor.
After returning to Syracuse for a year, Grandinette began his long association with the Locust Valley School District - a union that would span from 1956 until his retirement in 1982. He remained active in the NYSHPH&R and was Nassau Athletic Council Gymnastics Chairman for seven years.
In his community, Grandinette was a village trustee, chaired the Recreation Commission, organizied youth baseball and football programs, directed the Catholic Youth Organization Gymnastic Clinic, served as a Boy Scout merit badge counselor, and directed the St. Patrick's Church athletic program.
Tony and his wife, Ida, have three children: Maria, Steven and Anthony Jr.
UPDATE: Anthony passed away on February 28, 2017, at age 90.
