NOTE: May and June are always big months around high schools. The games are more important and there is graduation day, and the prom. Plus, Mother’s Day comes around in May and Father‘s Day in June, which is actually Sunday.

During previous Mays and Junes, Tom Williams has turned over his column to CAL athletes and others from the sports community for special wishes. Last month it was Gabrielle Davis for Mother’s Day. Last year it was Gabby Henry and Brian Cunniff. Before that, the Cappelletti sisters from Middle Township and OCHS baseball star Evan Taylor, Nicholl and Abbey Fenton, Danielle and Andrew Donoghue, Stephanie Gaitley, Matt Woolley, Jeff Boyd, Allison Rinck, Erik Geisinger, Owen Ritti, Doug Colman, Allie Moreland, Tracey LeFever, the Degenhardt sisters, Chelsea Bruno, Danielle McNally, Dave & Casey Beyel, the Mensinger brothers, the Donahue sisters, the Impagliazzos, the Baruffis and Shaune McLaughlin, among others, to write about their fathers. Plus Joe Repetti wrote about his mother and Tori Rolls about her grandfather.

33 of them are available HERE.

This year, Paul Rodio’s sons and daughters write about their father. Heather Brunozzi is a pre-K school teacher in the Hammonton Public School System. Christa Rodio-Galeota works in sales and in the food business. Steve Rodio is very active in the food business, including two restaurants in Hammonton. Paul M. Rodio is a history teacher and head basketball coach at St. Joseph Academy, where he has won 218 games, the 23rd highest win total in Cape-Atlantic League history.

Their father, Paul Rodio, will start his 50th season as basketball coach at St. Augustine Prep in December. He has 1,060 wins, the most by any South Jersey coach and the second most in New Jersey history.

By HEATHER BRUNOZZI & CHRISTA RODIO-GALEOTA, Guest Columnists

Our dad means so much to us and he also means so much to so many others. He has touched countless lives.

He has taught us in ways he doesn’t even know. His dedication, commitment, and passion for what he loves have truly led by example.  It has been incredible to be a part of his success.  

So many games.  So many wins.  So many amazing players.  So many relationships.  

He has coached his sons, his son in law, his grandson, and was a father figure to every player.  We are so lucky to have him for a father. He has been there throughout our lives whenever we have needed him. He is always there to give advice, listen, give support and to always make us laugh. He is one of the most selfless people we know.

To countless people, our father is Coach.  To us, he is a remarkable father, who happens to be a legendary coach.

He has accomplished so much, and we could not be more proud to call him Dad.

By STEVE RODIO, Guest Columnist

Since I was 10 years old going to 7-11 on a coffee run with my dad, “the Coach”, I wanted to be just like him. Everyone knew him and wanted his attention, and he’d greet everyone with a smile on face – even if he had no idea who they were.

He was always happy. He’d bring a round of coffees to the barbershop and bring his happiness to others. He was contagious. Everyone loved “the Coach.”

He was like this in every facet of his life. My dad gave me the greatest gift on this earth without even knowing he gave it to me – and that is the gift of happiness.

Happiness no matter what we had. Grateful to be healthy and alive. This is how I live my life today. I live my life how I thought my dad always lived his, and I will pass that down to my future son.

By PAUL M. RODIO, Guest Columnist

Everyone talks about the legend on the court. Everyone talks about winning at the Prep and the historic basketball tradition. They talk about the great players and tough rivalries. What people do not understand truly is the legend off the court as a father and head of the great Rodio family.

What people need to understand is how great a person my dad really is.

Coach Rodio’s greatest role is that of a father. He embodies the values of love, sacrifice,
and unwavering support that define exceptional parenthood. He prioritizes his family and serves
as a role model through his actions, teaching the importance of integrity, perseverance, and
kindness. As his children, we are fortunate to have a father who leads with compassion and who
consistently demonstrates what it means to be a person of strong character.

What truly sets Coach Rodio apart is his ability to inspire others. Whether he is coaching
a game, mentoring a student, supporting a colleague, or spending time with his family, he brings
passion, positivity, and authenticity to every interaction. He is a respected member of the St.
Augustine Prep family whose influence extends far beyond wins and losses. Coach Paul
Rodio’s legacy is not simply measured by championships or accolades, but by the lives he has
touched, the values he has instilled, and the example he continues to set as an outstanding
father, coach and human being.

My father would give the shirt off his back (and I think he literally did a few times). He has the kindest heart a person could have. He is almost too giving, and wants to just help anybody in need. As much as winning follows him, people from anywhere get obsessed with him within minutes of meeting him.

St. Augustine might not be here without him, and half of the people working there might not be. There will be no duplication of a man of this magnitude.

Happy Fathers Day, Dad!