Not the Dealership but the Teacher

By: Carnilis Johnson

Joe Bommarito or mostly known as Mr.Bommarito, is new to the scene at Hazelwood East High School. Being at another high school for 9 years, received a teaching and coaching job at East High. Primarily known for being the varsity soccer coach he obtained his soccer skills from his very early childhood. Always playing a level above his grade during his time playing soccer, he was able to play with older and more skilled teammates increasing his skill. The level difference and his many years of practice allowed him to perform at an exceptional level as an adult and coach. As a coach, he taught his team about continuing through all forms of adversities and tomorrow is the start of a brand new day, so act like it.

His main highlight happens to be that he is Hazelwood East High varsity boys coach. With the job being vacant for an entire season prior, Joe rose above and took the job. As he coached with passion and enthusiasm, the love he had for soccer could be seen from miles away. He grew up in the Hazelwood East area and that is where is love for the school stems from, along with some of the passionate thoughts about the school environment. When asked about how he feels about Hazelwood East’s school spirit he responded, “ The students and athletes that I’m talking about allow the negative and no-drive-to-be-better students pull them down and destroy their god given talents and potential.” This response explains the feeling in great detail on why most athletes at Hazelwood East do not move on to experience greater opportunities after high school from the eyes of a coach.

To become such a great soccer player, coach, and teacher Joe has lived by a few quotes that have guided him further in life. One is from his father who said, “Always remember who you are and who you represent.” Always knowing who you truly are as a person will prevent you from becoming estranged from yourself. Another saying was spoken by his baseball pitching coach, “Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better than their best”. This particular quote always sticks with Joe in order for to continue to better himself and rise above his competition.