John “Jack” Castignola

Inducted: 1983

Trenton

Mr. John “Jack” Castignola was a legendary Trenton High School (THS) head football coach and educator/counselor.  He was a leader of young people who dedicated his life to them in many ways.  He encouraged his athletes and students to obtain a college degree, to set their goals high and helped prepare them for life.  He was a winner on and off the field and was a great inspiration to all at THS.  

Mr. Castignola was born in New Philadelphia , Ohio in 1921.  He played football for Woody Hayes at New Philadelphia High School and went on to become a halfback at the University of Dayton .  Before graduating from college, he joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in the South Pacific.  Upon his return, he finished his teaching degree at Penn State University .  He began his football coaching career at two Ohio schools before moving to Monroe ’s Catholic Central High School for 12 years.  

Mr. Castignola arrived in the hallways of THS in the fall of 1964, where he would emphasize “Life’s Lessons” that readied many THS students for life beyond high school.  Not only in the school was his influence, but he touched the whole Trenton community.  In the offseason, he was a supervisor for Trenton Parks and Recreation and worked with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  During the school year, he was a history and physical education teacher along with being a counselor.  As a counselor, Mr. Castignola was compassionate and was well liked among all the THS students.  As a coach, his metaphor was:

“Football is like the game of life; when you get knocked down, you have to pick yourself up off the ground and get back in the game”. 

CLICK HERE to go to Coach Jack’s Memorial Page.