Notre Dame's Rapone claims Section 5 career wins record

GAINESVILLE — Wednesday night was proof that nice guys can finish first.

Notre Dame boys basketball coach Mike Rapone led his Fighting Irish to a 60-41 victory over Arkport for his 546th career victory.

The win lifts Rapone past retired former Cardinal Mooney and Bishop Kearney coach Ed Nietopski, making him the winningest boys basketball coach in Section 5 history, cracking a record that has stood for almost three decades.

Even sweeter, the win sends Notre Dame into the Class D1 championship game at the Blue Cross Arena Saturday.

“I wouldn’t be sitting here without all the players I’ve had,” said a gracious Rapone. “This (win) was a goal they wanted. I told them ‘It’s about you guys,’ but I know behind the scenes, this is something they wanted, to be the team that got it (No. 546).”

Friends and family were among the supporters on hand at Letchworth High School to cheer on Rapone and his Irish, including former Prattsburgh coach Jim Burke. Burke, also a member of Section 5’s 500-plus win club, a longtime friend  — and competitor — of Rapone’s, surprised the Notre Dame team with a congratulatory poster signed by all the Prattsburgh players.

Rapone has spent his entire 30-year coaching tenure at Notre Dame, where he also serves as vice principal and athletic director, which he started in 1999, watching over Notre Dame’s 17 athletic programs.

“Most consider both those ‘burn-out’ jobs, but Rapone is the ideal person, because he respects kids and he lets them know that he’s there for them,” said Dr. Joseph Scanlan, Notre Dame’s president and principal.

Scanlan’s son Mike was a member of Rapone’s 2001 state championship squad.

“Mike (Rapone) was playing chess when everyone else was playing checkers. In coaching, he can see through the forest and make adjustments,” Dr. Scanlan said.

Not only has Rapone’s professional life been intertwined with Batavia’s Catholic high school, but also his personal life.

“Notre Dame is all about family and for the Rapone family, Notre Dame, basketball especially, has been a big part of all of our lives. Having my family here makes it special. Maybe what was most special was my daughter (Missy) flying home from (Washington) D.C. to come to the game,” Rapone said. “I’m not really that emotional of a person, but when she tapped me on the shoulder tonight, and I saw her, because I had no idea she was coming, that was very emotional for me.”

Rapone’s current record is 546-136, but that’s just where the numbers game begins:

— His teams have amassed 27 Genesee Region League championships.

— Notre Dame is tied for third with seven Section 5 championships, the last coming in 2001 (Current senior Tommy Rapone, Mike’s nephew, was a water boy for that team).

— Notre Dame has been to four Far West Regional championships, coming away with a 4-0 record. Two of those trips resulted in state titles (1992, 2001).

— Notre Dame is tied with Newark for the best winning percentage in Section 5 since 1975 (.798).

While the Irish’s stats put them in a league of their own, it’s often the last thing mentioned when those closest to him talk about his accomplishments.

“The players have always come first,” said Mike’s brother, Rick, who was an assistant coach with Mike for the first four years of his tenure (1980-84). “I think that’s the reason he’so successful. The kids pay him back because they’re not nervous and can execute in tough situations.”

Notre Dame will go for Rapone’s 547th career win as the top-seeded Irish will play No. 3 Fillmore, which defeated No. 2 Prattsburgh, for the sectional title at 11:45 a.m. Saturday at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester.

“I’m hoping that breaking this record makes us stronger and pushes us even harder to win a sectional title,” said Tommy Rapone, who finished with nine points and six rebounds Wednesday.