NEW YORK — The Falcons, of Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island, have a lot to celebrate going into Sunday's Super Bowl game. One of their own, Wagner alum Lou Anarumo, is the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive coordinator.
“It’s just amazing, the comments, everyone I run into, they’ve all become Bengal fans," said Anarumo's father, Louis Anarumo Sr. "And they all say the same thing: how just the enthusiasm has just captured the entire borough."
What You Need To Know
- Susan E. Wagner High School alum Lou Anarumo is the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive coordinator
- Anarumo played football at Wagner High School and came back to coach under Public School Athletic League legend Al Paturzo
- Anarumo credits his success to Paturzo and surprised him with special tickets to the Super Bowl
Anarumo is in his third year with the NFL team, but his roots run deep in Staten Island. After he played football at Wagner High School, he came back to coach under Public School Athletic League legend Al Paturzo. Paturzo said early on, he recognized Anarumo's ability to lead and connect with his young team.
“They were able to respond to him immediately, and that’s a big thing in coaching," Paturzo said. "Even at his level now, how they buy into what he says is key."
The admiration is mutual. Anarumo credits his success to Paturzo, and even surprised him with special tickets to this weekend’s game.
“I was just happy to just see him on TV all this time,” Paturzo exclaimed. “I’ve never been to a Super Bowl, never, so I’m glad this is my first."
For young high school football players like senior Brandon Delvalle, Anarumo is a true inspiration.
“Makes me want to coach defense, because I’m a defensive end," Delvalle said. "I’m probably going to look into it, do sports management a little bit, probably become a coach."
Delvalle credits Wagner’s football program and the legends connected to it. Now, he’s college-bound. “Couple years ago, I didn’t think I was going to make it to college, and get everything and every offer I got," he said.
Anarumo’s proud parents will also be at the big game on Sunday, and hope all New Yorkers will be rooting for a Bengals win.
“We’ve gone to every playoff game, and we’ve been fortunate, so we came home with a win each time, so we’re hoping to keep that record,” Anarumo Sr. said.