Settino, Harry

Harry Settino came to Bethpage Schools in 1960 and at that time he introduced the Marine Fitness Program in the district. The Marine Fitness Program is still very active today in Bethpage. He coached varsity baseball, football, wrestling, as well as girls track and bowling. He had four children who went through Bethpage Schools. Mr. Settino never lost sight that every boy and girl he taught is very special as someones son or daughter. He was very proud to tell that he coached Joe Sambito who went on to play major league baseball.

Below information from Central Park Historical Society Newsletter - January/February - 2009

Harry Louis Settino, born in the Bronx, New York, on August 7, 1932, where he attended St. Helena's grammar school and graduated in 1946. Entered Mount Saint Michael Academy and graduated June, 1950. At Mount Saint Michaels he was chosen to be on the first team of the World Telegram and Sun All Metropolitan Football Team. He was captian of his 1949-50 football team.

In his junior year he broke the New York high school javelin record which he held for 25 years. He threw the javelin for the New York Athletic Club for three years. He received an appointment to the U. S. Military Academy at West Point in 1950, and spent almost a full year there. He accepted a full football scholarship to Penn State University in 1951 where he played varsity football for two years. He played for coach "Rip" Engle and for coach Joe Paterno in his 2nd year of his coaching career.

He earned his master's degree in physical education from Columbia University.

He began teaching at Bethpage High School where he coached football, wrestling and baseball in 1966, and he was also responsible for starting the U. S. Marine Fitness Team. In 1970 he coached Joe Sambito who went on to spend seven years with the Houston Astros major league team, one year with the New York Mets and then two years as pitcher for the Boston Red Sox.

Harry resides at 9 Bradford Lane for the past 48 years with his lovely wife Joan and his four children: Donna Marie, Stephen, Gregory, and Christopher.

Harry played senior softball for 12 years as a member of the New York Statesmen and The Long Island Tigers. While a member of these teams we won six world championships in 3 different age groups: 60 and over, 65 and over, and 70 and over.

He is retired from teaching since 1990 and enjoyed playing softball and golf up to the present. Joan and Harry have been spending the winter months in Florida and the summers in the Pocono's. They have three beautiful grandchildren, compliments of son, Gregory and Linda who also reside in Bethpage.

Harry and Joan are proud to be members of The Central Park Historical Society.