This year, a lot changed for the boys’ basketball team. Last year, Varsity Head Coach BJ Ivey resigned, leaving the position of head coach open for the taking. Long-time teacher and junior varsity basketball coach Rudy Fraraccio stepped up to the plate and faced the challenge head on.

Fraraccio came into the season with strong intentions to change the tradition and to win as many games as possible. He emphasized that the team’s success would revolve around the team chemistry, culture, selflessness and the coaching staff.

He explained that each of the individual players on the team could become single-minded, then it would translate into a better performance on the court. In order to do that, each and every individual had to be selfless and put the team above himself. With the help of the knowledge and commitment of the coaching staff, the Rams would soon learn to come together as a team and have a very productive season.

Above all was the change in culture that Fraraccio brought to the program.

“We became a program that valued hard work, commitment and accountability,” Fraraccio said.

With that philosophy, Coach “Fro” Fraraccio led the team to win the Suncoast Holiday Classic Tournament, a district championship, as well as leading the team to the regional semifinal. Although the Rams didn’t end the season the way they wanted, they finished with a record of 23-6.

With the success of the Rams this year, Fraraccio was named District 16 Coach of the Year. This accomplishment was more than well-deserved and although he is proud of the accomplishment, he is not done yet. Next year, Coach plans to win 20 or more games, a district championship, a regional championship and a state championship. With the leadership of Fraraccio, the Rams are well on their way to do just that.