KENMORE, N.Y. — Last week, St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute shared the tragic passing of the school's varsity basketball coach Gabe Michael.
Michael had died at age 43. His cause of death is still unknown.
The community gathered this past Saturday to celebrate the beloved coach's life and time both on and off the court.
Michael led the Marauders for the past five seasons and ended a decade-long drought in 2021 when the team hoisted the Manhattan Cup. But it’s the lessons he shared off the court that left a lasting impact.
The school released a statement on the coach’s death reading
“He was a role model, mentor, confidant, and friend to many, and he will be sorely missed by the entire SJCI school community,” said Christopher Fulco, SJCI President. “Gabe was more than just a coach; he was an older brother to our athletes and would do anything to ensure their success as players and as men.”
On Tuesday, the all boys high school named Cooper Calzonetti as interim coach. Calzonetti served on the St. Joseph's Collegiate Varsity Basketball team under Coach Michael
“Coach Gabe was not just a coaching colleague, but a mentor, a friend, and someone I considered family since we met fourteen years ago. It was a privilege to coach alongside him for the last three seasons, and I am deeply honored to carry forward Coach Gabe’s visions for the St. Joe’s Basketball program,” says Cooper Calzonetti.
In honor of Coach Michael the team will start the season with special tributes. They will wear memorial shirts with Coach Michael's initials and a patch on their jerseys. The first coach's chair will be left unoccupied during all games in tribute.
A celebration of Coach Michael will happen December, 22 at St' Joe's in the their game against Canisius.
"Coach Gabe always believed in surrounding his players with several quality coaches and leaders. This created an incredible collaborative learning environment within our gym where players and coaches were both provided the opportunity to develop. Coach Calzonetti has been an integral part of our staff since 2020 and shares the same vision and commitment to success as Coach Gabe. He is a great leader who will help our program navigate through this very difficult time," says Brian Anken, Director of Athletics.