Rich Maniaci announced his retirement from coaching the McKee/Staten Island boys' bowling team after 47 years. At age 75, he reflects on his impactful career, which included competitive teams that reached city finals and a notable championship win in 2013. He cherishes memories with former athletes and highlighted how coaching provided him with meaningful relationships. The decision to retire came after a long commitment to the sport, during which he remained active and instrumental in developing young bowlers.
I know I'll miss it, but I felt it was time. I have kept many of the articles and plaques and they decorate my wall.
I mean, just last week it was one of my former bowlers bowling on the league next to us on Friday night and he came over to me and he said, 'coach I want to thank you for everything you did and how much I enjoyed the years.'
In the early 80s, my wife, Betty Jane, used to come with me to Madison Square Garden, and after the playoffs -- win or lose -- we would go to a Chinese restaurant.
What a run it was. Maniaci's teams were always competitive and the Seagulls made a handful of trips to the city title match, winning once in 2013.
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