More than an Outstanding Football Coach — A Maker of Honorable Men
Coach Fracassa was more than a coach, he was a mentor, a builder of character, and a true maker of honorable men. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the lives of thousands who had the privilege to know and learn from him.
A Life Marked by Greatness
Coach’s journey began at Detroit Northeastern High School, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Graduating cum laude in 1951 as senior class president, he was later recognized as Athlete of the Decade by Detroit Public Schools. His athletic prowess carried him to Michigan State University, where he contributed to the 1952 National Championship and the 1954 Rose Bowl Championship. Following his collegiate success, he married his beautiful high school sweetheart, Phyllis Secontine, and served his country proudly in the U.S. Army.
Building a Dynasty at Brother Rice
Coach began his head coaching career at Royal Oak Shrine in 1960, before arriving at Brother Rice in 1969 with a mantra that became legendary: “Do it better than it’s ever been done before.” Each season, he introduced a new motto, not as a slogan for the locker room wall, but as a principle for life. Over 45 seasons, he transformed the Warriors into one of the most respected football programs, amassing 430 career victories — a record at the time in Michigan high school football.
His achievements brought national recognition and honors, including National High School Coach of the Year, NFL High School Coach of the Year, induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, and Detroit News Michiganian of the Year. And yet, statistics and awards never fully captured the essence of Coach.
Because there is, and always will be, only one Al Fracassa.
More Than Football
Alumni speak his name with reverence, not because of his record, but because of his humanity. He led with integrity, humor, and quiet strength, and deeply understood that success is rooted in love and humility.
Every young man under his watch, from the star quarterback to the practice squad player, from band member to the struggling student seeking direction, knew that Coach cared. He had a gift for seeing people, for recognizing potential, and for guiding not just athletes, but students and colleagues alike.
Faith. Family. Football.
These were the tenets of his life, and in that order. His deep Catholic faith anchored his perspective. His greatest pride was his family — his beloved wife of 57 years, Phyllis, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. And football, the vehicle through which he transformed thousands of lives.
Coach’s Enduring Legacy
Some say Coach Fracassa belonged to Brother Rice. But perhaps the truth is this: Brother Rice belonged to him. Every player who raised a helmet in his locker room, every student who sought his compassion, every colleague who walked the halls beside him, every alumnus who still lives by his mottos decades later — every life he touched is part of the story of Al Fracassa.
We mourn his passing, but more than that, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, humility, and heart. He asked his players to “Do it better than it’s ever been done before.” And he did. In every season of his remarkable life – he truly did.
Please enjoy reading some of the memories shared with us:
It was a true honor to play quarterback for Coach Fracassa, and one of the most impactful experiences of my life. His success as a football coach is legendary, but his impact on thousands of young men extends far beyond the field. He taught us Xs and Os, but more importantly, he taught us the life lessons that matter most…family, faith, teamwork, integrity, work ethic, and the belief to never give up. We lost one of the pillars of the Brother Rice community, but his impact and legacy will endure for generations.
– Chris Sullivan ’86
Coach Fracassa had a tremendous impact on my life. I had the privilege of playing for him in 1978 and 1979. I had no idea at the time that he was not only teaching football but life lessons. I am forever grateful. To this day, I remember one of his mantras: “Life’s battles don’t always go to the bigger, stronger, or faster man; they go to the man who thinks he can”. This has served me throughout my entire life. God bless you, Coach Fracassa.
– Pat Gaunt ’80
So many wonderful memories of Coach during our son’s attendance at Brother Rice High School and participation in the Football program all four years. The one that stands out to me as to the caliber of person Coach Al was… Our son was undersized in high school and basically played DB on the Varsity scout team. Coach once took me aside, expressing his amazement at the “heart” our son demonstrated. “I just don’t want to put him in the game where he could get hurt. Some of these boys are pretty big.” I understood. We shook hands, and I thanked him for his concern. Our son culminated his football experience by being part of the 2005 season State Championship team. Coach Al and the entire team made him feel every bit a part of the success that was experienced by all. Fast forward some years to the celebratory dedication of Fracassa Field. I attended to support the event and, fortunately, was able to meet with Coach. I was immediately greeted with a big smile, a hearty handshake, and with his hand on my shoulder, looking me in the eye, he said, “Rick! How are you? Thank you for coming! How is Chris doing at Michigan?” Now wait a minute…How did he remember my son’s name and the college he was attending? How did he remember my name? A scout team player and his Dad, who attended the games. I was blown away and came to understand that this was a hallmark of Al Fracassa. He took a personal interest in all of his players, regardless of their status, and made it a point to remember them. I heard so many similar accounts from other alumni parents. “Coach remembers his players.” Beyond this, it truly displayed the character of the man in my eyes and touched my soul. I’ll paraphrase a few memorable quotes I heard Coach express from the sidelines or through guest speaker engagements at Dads’ Club meetings. “Never, ever, ever give up!”…. “I try to teach the boys that what is really important is God, Your Family, Your teammates, Football… in that order…” God Bless you, Coach. God bless and keep your family as they work through this challenging time.
– Rick Koslowski
I met Coach Fracassa in high school at his QB camps in 1976. Even though I didn’t go to Brother Rice, he was always gracious and made me feel welcome and important. When I started the Lacrosse program in 1983, he supported and encouraged the kids to play Lacrosse. The players I coached were of high character, disciplined, committed, and had faith in their hearts. This is a testimate to Coach. If it weren’t for Al Fracassa, the Lacrosse program would not have achieved the level of success it has today. He built the foundation. Al Fracassa did everything to lift those around him and make them better people. He coached with love in his heart and commanded great respect. I’ve been blessed to have decades of friendship with Coach. I kept in touch through the years, and he was always curious about me, my family, and what I was doing. It was never about him. He’ll always be in my heart, and I’ll do my best to carry on what I’ve learned from him in all aspects of my life.. Godspeed Coach.
– Rob Ambrose
I was a freshman when he arrived. He was a Warrior in Christ and taught us how to be the same. The whole aura and mantra of the school changed when he arrived. A great example of how a Catholic Christian education can be the best education of all. Well done, Coach!
– Steven Marks ’82
Coach had a way of always getting the most out of everyone. One day, we weren’t having a good practice, and he was visibly disappointed. He told us he wasn’t going to stick around to make us run a full Green Bay, and he left. He knew the team captains would step up and take over at that moment. We ran it ourselves and came back ready to practice hard the rest of the week. He just knew what would do it. When we weren’t passing the ball well in games, he threw out the playbook and turned us into a running team built on multiple backs. He always knew exactly when to make the right adjustment. I will never forget the feeling of listening to him give a pregame speech during the playoffs or against CC.
– Michael Stroud ’11
Coach Fracassa was an incredible coach and man. I met him in late August 1977 as a sophomore, and he shaped me as a young man and future leader.
– Thomas Marino ’79
Our 1990 Division II State Championship Season seems like a lifetime ago. Coach had already achieved a sort of legendary status by then and had also perfected that signature growl that made him seem twice his size. He was the type of figure you just wanted to impress. Jeff Bucholz and I used to laugh about the time we came to watch practice before my brother Ross’s big playoff run in 2003 with my dad as defensive coordinator. Coach walked up and started talking with us, and immediately our spines stiffened, and it was “yessir…” “no sir…” just like we were a couple of kids again. He just commanded that level of respect. I’m fortunate to have been coached by the man. And I know our good friend Jeff will be one of the first Brother Rice grads in line to greet him on the other side. Believe It!
– Erik Zimmerman ’91
During summer football camp, I scored a couple of touchdowns against Harrison, which made him happy. He asked me where I’d been. I told him I can’t make all the practices and camps because I work at the family business. He put his arm around me and said your family comes first.
– David Antiwan ’89
I am thankful to God for the opportunity I had to meet, play, and get to know Coach Fracassa. Although I wasn’t a starter, he always gave me the time of day. I am eternally grateful for the pivotal role in my college admissions process as a senior. Without it, I would not have the experience and education that have blessed me with my wife, children, friends, and job today. Most importantly, his emphasis on our Catholic faith continues to resonate with me and how I raise my children. Thank you, Coach, for everything.
– Dominic Golab ’07
I’ll always remember when he had office hours and you could go talk to him one-on-one. He was always interested in what was going on in my life, how my family was, and always gave great advice. He never made anything about himself. He was the most selfless and inspiring man I have ever met.
– Jeff DeNio ’98
It seems like only yesterday that I last saw Coach Fracassa — at the celebration of life last August for another legend, Coach Bill Norton, who led Brother Rice to its first, and only, state basketball championship in 1974. That year, I was just 21 years old, finishing my senior year at the University of Detroit, majoring in political science and thinking law school was next. Coaching at Brother Rice with Coach Norton changed all of that.
When Coach Norton elevated me to his first-ever assistant, I quickly learned that in Michigan, Class A schools required coaches to hold a teaching credential. So while wrapping up my pre-law curriculum, I began the coursework for teaching certification. That decision led me into student teaching at Brother Rice, and into the classroom of Coach Al Fracassa. That’s where our relationship began, and it never ended.
Over the years, I have been blessed to be associated with many Hall of Famers, but none more genuine, more grounded, or more impactful than Coach Fracassa. Every time we spoke, he reminded me how much he valued my time in his classroom for that one year, and how proud he was of what I went on to do in life after leaving Brother Rice. That was Coach. Unforgettable, affirming, encouraging. A coach of football, yes — but more importantly, a coach of life.
He certainly earned the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Jackie Robinson once said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” By that measure, Coach Al Fracassa was an impact player in the greatest game of all—the game of life. His legacy lives on in every student, every player, every colleague, and every soul he touched.
– Michael Brunker
The lessons, the quotes, and the guidance. Coach had a way of making you believe in yourself, no matter the odds. Coach always challenged and dared you to be your best self. Those exact lessons helped me to be the man I am today. I will always cherish those moments.
– Shannon “Juan” Hutchins ’96
Our 1990 Division II State Championship Season is getting to be a lifetime ago. Coach had already achieved a sort of legendary status by then, and had also perfected that legendary growl that made him seem twice his size. He was the type of figure you just wanted to impress. Jeff Bucholz and I used to laugh about the time we came to watch practice before my brother Ross’ big playoff run in 2003 with my dad as defensive coordinator. Coach walked up and started taking with us and immediately our spines stiffened and it was “yessir…” “no sir…” just like we were a couple kids again. He just commanded that level of respect. I’m fortunate to have been coached by the man. And I know our good friend Jeff will be one of the first Brother Rice grads in line to greet him on the other side. Believe It!
– Erik Zimmerman ’91