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SALISBURY, Mass. – (WBZ NewsRadio) – A local football league is coming together to support a coach in his fight against cancer.
For more than eight years, Rich Capuci, referred to as “The Godfather of Flag Football” has coached at the Seacoast Youth Flag Football League in Salisbury.
The father of four, battling pancreatic cancer, reflected on what he loved most about coaching with WBZ’s Kendal Buhl.
“Just seeing the kids develop, kind of becoming young adults,” Capuci said. “Their confidence increases every time, it’s just been a pleasure.”
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When the community learned of Capuci’s diagnosis, these young athletes were eager to give back to their coach.
Jennifer Roketenetz, a past president of the Salisbury PTA, organized a benefit tournament for Capuci and his family. She has seen a constant flux of people offer their support.
“We’ve had kids that have aged out of the program saying, ‘what can I do?’ That really speaks volumes about the character of Rich.”
200 kids playing on 20 teams are set to take the field this Saturday morning at Salisbury Elementary School. A GoFundMe has also been set up for the Capuci family.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Kendal Buhl covered more of the story:
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