When Baldwinsville and West Genesee kick off on Friday night, Carl Sanfilippo will be on the sidelines. It's the same spot he's occupied for the Bees for 35 years, but there's more to the long-time head coach than just football.
"Anytime a student can see you in a different light, where they don't stereotype you into one thing, I think that's a very positive thing," said Sanfilippo.
Sanfilippo has spent 35 years as a physical education teacher at Baldwinsville and football coach. Away from the field, he's a master diver and coast guard boat captain. He shares that love with students.
"He's amazing,” said Sydney Smith, a senior at Baldwinsville. “He jokes around a lot, which is good that he's not too serious because I'm not a serious person at all. He wants to make sure that everything's OK with you, which is like really comforting to hear when you're underneath water where you could possibly die."
The hardnosed football coach teaches scuba diving to children with special needs, and he certifies a group of high school students.
"I was borderline hyperventilating when I first was doing it, and like by the end of it, it was a lot easier once you get comfortable," said senior Pat May.
Learning to breathe underwater doesn't always come naturally, so students appreciate Sanfilippo's guidance.
"He really cares so much about especially the football team but everyone else,” said senior Jenna Pastore.” And he's always giving back. I don't know he's almost like a father, not like a father, but like he's so chill and cool."
When he's not with students, Sanfilippo's happy place is in the water.
"You're very intense at football and in practice so when I leave football -- I don't dive during the season -- but when I leave football, in summers that's kind of my down time,” said Sanfilippo. “That's my relaxation and my rest."
He’s resting up so he makes an even bigger splash with his next lesson.
You can watch Sanfilippo and the Bees take on West Genesee on Spectrum News. Our Friday Night Matchup kicks off at 7 pm. Highlights from across the region air on First and Ten at 11:00 p.m. on Friday.