The Los Gatos Athletic Association is helping town residents establish a scholarship fund in the name of Horace “Butch” Cattolico, the legendary football coach at Los Gatos High School who retires at the end of this school year.
The recipient of the scholarship will be a Los Gatos High School graduating football player who has demonstrated achievements on the football field, in academics and demonstrated personal leadership and citizenship, the association said on its website.
"The interest from this fund will allow a scholarship to be given every year in Mr. Cattolico’s name," the association said.
Cattolico has taught basic math through pre-calculus for 36 years at LGHS and has been head football coach for 27 years, the association said.
The famed coach announced his retirement last December after the team of about 50 players had just suffered a devastating loss when the Saint Francis High School Lancers took the Central Coast Section Division II title on Dec. 1 after a brutal game at Westmont High School. The score: 17-0.
Cattolico’s noted success has been on the football field, the association added.
Under his leadership, his teams won 16 league championships and 12 section championships.
Cattolico learned from the best how to be a great coach. He spent his first nine years as LGHS assistant coach under Charlie Wedemeyer.
"He was very consistent in the way he coached the kids," said Los Gatos resident Tracey Enfantino, whose son Teddy Enfantino played for Cattolico for four years and graduated last year when the Cats took home the CCS Title.
"He didn't waiver ... whether it was a winning situation, or they were down in the score. He had the same demeanor being firm with the kids to go out there and hustle even if the score was way up."
The scholarship has been created in gratitude for his dedication to excellence in athletics and academics, the association noted.
Those interested in donating to the scholarship fund should make checks payable to: LGAA-Cattolico Scholarship (Tax ID:94-2544024), Los Gatos Athletic Association, P.O. Box 1334, Los Gatos, CA 95031
If you prefer to pay via a credit card, please call LGAA at 408-395-2002.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
