Aggie Hall of Fame Spotlight: Joe Piccininni
From Long Island, N.Y. to the Panhandle of Oklahoma, Joe Piccininni left his mark on Oklahoma Panhandle State University as a member of the Aggie Football team in the early eighties and will be inducted into the Aggie Hall of Fame class of 2014.
A 1978 graduate of Bellport High School in Brookhaven, N.Y. Piccininni was a Newsday and Daily News First Team selection as a defensive lineman in 1977. In 1981 he transferred to OPSU from Carson-Newman University in Tennessee thanks to teammate and friend Lee Caldwell who was coming to the Panhandle as a graduate assistant.
When asked about the change in culture and atmosphere, Piccininni recalls looking out of his dorm and seeing nothing but land for as far as the eye can see. He relates that to Long Island where it is nothing but people for as far as the eye can see, and adds that you can’t find better people than those he came to know during his years at OPSU.
In 1981 Piccininni was named First Team All-District IX, that year the Aggies competed in the NAIA Division II Quarterfinals. “It was just a great experience to transfer in and work with such a great team of players and coaches. I made many friends that I feel blessed to still keep in touch with.”
After graduating with a degree in Physical Education in 1983 Piccininni moved back to New York and helped maintain the family business for close to twenty years. He then put his degree to use and began a career in teaching at Newfield High School where he continues to teach Physical Education. As Newfield’s head football coach Piccininni has been recognized as a New York Jets High School Coach of the Week.
“Shocked, elated, honored and humbled” were the words used to describe his feelings upon learning of his induction into the 2014 Aggie Hall of Fame. Piccininni makes it a point to acknowledge the team as a whole saying that “it’s not about individual accomplishment, but the team all together.”
While he may be unable to attend the induction ceremony and banquet, Piccininni plans to catch up with fellow teammates from the 1981 team, also set for induction next week. He and his wife of 28 years, Marietta, currently live on Long Island in the city of Wading River, N.Y.; they are proud of their two children Jenna and Joe Jr.
The 2014 Aggie Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet is set for Friday, January 16 with the banquet beginning at 7 p.m.
