John Arcaro knew the meaning of success. As a four-year letterman in track and football at Cortland in the early 1950's, Arcaro never played on a losing team. In the years since he became an instructor and coach in the Baldwinsville School District, Arcaro has in turn seldom allowed his scholastic squads to experience defeat. Arcaro's Baldwinsville track teams became the yardstick of success by which other Empire State high school thinclad squads are measured.
Under Arcaro's coaching, his teams have won over 250 meets while losing just 22. Arcaro was named the Onondaga County High School League "Coach of the Year" in track on 15 different occasions. In 1981, the scholastic track coaches across the United States named him their National "Coach of the Year."
Arcaro's coaching talents were not limited to track. He started the OCHSL Wrestling League and organized the Syracuse Wrestling Officials Organization, of which he was a member for over 27 years. As a wrestling coach, Arcaro posted 74 wins against just 14 defeats at Baldwinsville. He was head football coach for 23 years and was named "Coach of the Year" twice in that sport. Arcaro was the OCHSL football chairman for 15 years and served as Section III football chairman as well. "In my 27 years of teaching and coaching," said Arcaro, "I can say that my success as a coach would go back to the men who coached me when I participated in sports at Cortland. I was motivated by my teammates as well as by coaches Carl Davis, Doc Weber, Pete Corey and Tony Tesori in football and David Miller and Doc Holloway in track. At 132 pounds, I started on the varsity football team at Cortland because of the coaches who instilled a winning attitude in my life. I feel this same attitude has carried over into my coaching career."
A native of Elmira, N.Y., Arcaro attended Cortland from 1951-55. He earned four letters in football and four letters in track, including two Red Letters as MVP in the latter. He was a state track champion in the 220, 440, mile relay and spring medley relay. En route to these state titles, Arcaro eclipsed school marks in the 220, 400 and mile relay. He also served as the swimming manager under Doc Counsilman for two seasons. In addition, Arcaro played lacrosse and wrestled at Cortland. During his senior year, Arcaro was a member of the President's Board of Govenors. For his accomplishments in both athletics and academics, he was awarded the prestigious Beta Achievement Award in 1955. Arcaro also earned a master's degree and his athletic director's certification from Cortland.
UPDATE: Arcaro passed away in January, 1991.
