HPU basketball coaching legend Tony Sellitto retiring at the end of season

HPU basketball coaching legend Tony Sellitto retiring at the end of the season

Honolulu, HI - After nearly 40 years of teaching and mentoring student-athletes at both the high school and collegiate levels, Tony Sellitto, a living legend in Hawai`i athletics, has decided that this year will be his last as a head basketball coach.

Sellitto retired from HPU in 2002 due to health reasons.  But, after nearly six years
"coaching from the couch" as he regained his health and stamina, Sellitto was coaxed out of his six-year retirement in 2008 by President Chatt Wright of Hawai`i Pacific University and returned as head basketball coach for the Sea Warriors.

Appointed in March of 2008, Sellitto rejoined the HPU sidelines marking his return to the roots of his collegiate coaching career. During his 15 years, he posted 12 winning seasons with eight postseason appearances, eight 20-win seasons, and an overall record of 307-153 (.667). From 1992 to 1997, the Sea Warriors were consistently ranked in the Top 10 of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).

At the peak of his college career in the 1990's, his spirited coaching style and overall success earned Sellitto many endearing nicknames, many of which have stuck with him over the years.  As he prowled the sidelines at HPU with an unyielding eye for effort and a booming voice, "Tony the Tiger" expected nothing less than 110% from every HPU Sea Warrior he recruited and coached.  Yet, as fiery as he was on the court, the student-athletes under his tutelage were deeply appreciative of the care and concern he demonstrated for their welfare
and success off the court, in the classroom and in their future careers. To his close friends and associates, the "Italian Stallion" was the epitome of coaching prowess, dedicated family man and someone who was always there to lend a helping hand.

Sellitto took HPU to the prestigious NAIA National Championship tournament seven times during his original 14 years with HPU. Five of those tournaments were held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where "Tulsa Tony" enjoyed immense success as he challenged the best teams in the country in search of the illusive National Championship.

The hallmark of Sellitto's coaching career came in 1993 with an NAIA National Title and his selection as the 1992-93 NAIA National Coach of the Year. Sellitto ranks in the Top 3 in wins at any level of men's collegiate basketball coaching in the state of Hawai‘i. His 1993 title
remains as the only national basketball championship in Hawai‘i.

"Coaching college basketball is the greatest job in the world," said Sellitto, who also served as HPU's Athletics Director for 14 years. "Coaching is in my blood and I love working with young people and helping them succeed as athletes and in life. However, due to personal
reasons, I don't feel that I can do it any longer."

Sellitto became HPU's Athletics Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach in 1988 after a stellar prep coaching career at Maryknoll High School in Honolulu. In 23 years at Maryknoll, he guided the boys' team to three consecutive Boys A titles and the school's first and only
boys high school state championship in 1984. He amassed a 374-71 overall record during which he had three consecutive winning seasons and four state final appearances. Sellitto was a 2009 inductee into the Maryknoll High School Hall of Fame for his years of service as
Maryknoll's coach and athletics director.

Overall, Sellitto's lifetime coaching record at the high school and collegiate levels amounts to an outstanding 681-224 (.752).

In 1997, Sellitto received the Mackay Yanagisawa Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment, contributions, and achievements as a coach and educator in Hawai‘i. He was presented the award at the Jeep Eagle Aloha Bowl.

"Tony Sellitto has left an indelible mark on Hawai‘i Pacific University," said HPU President Chatt G. Wright. "His success on the court combined with his relationship with players and the community are unparalled in our state.  We are grateful to him for defining how success is measured in Sea Warrior Athletics."

Sellitto will finish the 2009-10 season which is currently underway. The Sea Warriors are 3-2 and next play Friday, December 11.

HPU will begin an immediate search for a new head coach. All interested parties can contact Athletics Director Darren Vorderbruegge at 808-544-0223.