2023 NILCA Hall of Fame Inductee Bios

BOB POMPONIO

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“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – W. Churchill

Entering his 45th year of teaching and coaching at Chaminade High School, Bob, along with his “adopted brother” Jack Moran, has given much to the lives of so many young people. Chaminade and UNC at Chapel Hill alumnus Dain Krusilevic explains, “Coach Pomps – teacher mentor, and friend – has been a key part of young students’ lives and development for over 40 years. He is truly a cut above and has exceptional character, as well as an exceptional ability to impart knowledge and wisdom to all students, athletes and non-athletes alike. Having played for Coach Pomps more than 30 years ago, there are so many of life’s lessons and values that I hold with me today and have had the opportunity to pass on to my own children. Coach Pomps always carries with him the importance of instilling character, confidence, family and commitment values, teamwork, and a genuine passion for excellence.” 

Yale men’s lacrosse head coach Andy Shay echoes these sentiments: “Coach Pomps is one of the greatest teachers of character that I know. He is a once-in-a-lifetime talent as a teacher of leadership and hard work.” 

Bob’s athletic career began in Garden City, Long Island. Junior high school coaches Bob Allen, Richie Smith, and Ed Phillips, along with assistant principal John McDonald, were tremendously influential in his development and future career in teaching and coaching. During Bob’s high school years in the 1970s, he had the great fortune to further develop under the tutelage of Hall of Fame coaches Julio Silvestri, Doc Dougherty, and Jack Moran. Playing beside All-Americans Peter Worstell, and Rich Graham, as well as teammates Tom Holman, Dave Seale, and Jay Runac. Bob and the Garden City Trojans reached the county playoffs annually. 

While at Nassau Community College, Bob once again was fortunate to be guided by Hall of Fame coaches Mike Candel, Richie Speckman, and Paul Wehrum. At Long Island University – C.W. Post, Bob continued his playing career under Vito Venezia and Richie Cama and continued his development. 

Upon graduation, Bob’s teaching and coaching career started where his playing days began: Garden City. There at the high school, he had the privilege to volunteer his services coaching JV football and basketball with longtime friends Bob Zehnder and Tom O’Brien. 

During the 1978-79 season, Bob once again found great favor to be hired to coach Chaminade’s JV lacrosse team by none other than his former high school coach, mentor, and dear friend Jack Moran. For over 40 years, Jack and Bob have been the beneficiaries of the outstanding young men of Chaminade. The two grew the lacrosse program on three founding principles: Faith, Family, and Teammates!

At Chaminade, Bob was again mentored by many outstanding colleagues: Joseph Thomas, Jack Lenz, Bill Basel, and George Toop. To Bob, these men were giants in the field of education and compassion. Quite simply, they showed Bob the importance of nurturing and guiding boys to become outstanding young men, husbands, and fathers. 

Bob is very proud of the development of Chaminade’s practice squad back in the early 1980s. This program encouraged freshmen and sophomores to follow their dreams of playing the game they love, lacrosse. The program later grew into Chaminade’s JV “B” team, comprised mostly of freshmen student-athletes competing across Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, and Connecticut. There are currently approximately 100 players combined on the Chaminade JV A and B teams.
Another proud moment has been the establishment of the annual Clipper Classic, a program designed as a clinic for local public and Catholic school student-athletes. Organized and run by the Chaminade JV A team, this program welcomes Garden City, Uniondale, St. Martin de Porres Marianist School, Bishop Fox Latin School, St. Patrick’s of Huntington, St. Agnes, St. Aidan’s, St. Mary’s, and St. Dominic’s. It has since, however, evolved into a round-robin tournament held each spring at Chaminade’s Gold Star Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that honors the 56 Chaminade graduates who gave their lives in service of their country; two notable Gold Star Alumni whom Bob coached were Ron Winchester ’97 and Jimmy Regan ‘98. 
Bob states, “I’ve been truly blessed over the many years to have partnered with so many outstanding former players and friends on the Chaminade JV team. Jay Runac, Gerry Fay, Vincent Connors, Paul DeVine, Greg Kay, Mike DeMeo, Jim O’Leary, Adam Giardina, and Scott Cole, are all pillars of the strength of Chaminade lacrosse, as are former All-Americans Stephen Leghart, Marc Reeves, and Rich Grismer, who currently carry the torch of excellence throughout the Flyers’ program.”

Bob is especially proud of those Chaminade alumni who have grown the game in the college ranks: Gerry Byrne (Notre Dame, Harvard), Ryan Wellner (Navy, Notre Dame), Ryan Moran (Maryland, UMBC), Dan Annino (Bates, Johns Hopkins), Keith Lohmuller (Queens, Montreat), and Patrick Cooney (Salve Regina).

Bob is thankful to the very passionate Chaminade Lacrosse Alumni Association, a special group of men under the leadership of Chris Hanley, Bill Ellsworth, Greg Matthews, Dan Hickey, and Kyle Gentile, who continue to serve their communities with pride and integrity. 

Reflecting on his 45 years of teaching and coaching, Bob is grateful and humbled by the countless people with whom he has built meaningful relationships, on and off the field. His inspiration and moral compass have always been his family: his mother, father, sister, and especially his wife of 45 years-Joanne, and his children, Jennifer, Jamie, and Ryan, as well as his son-in-law Brian and his six grandchildren, Sean, Millie, Jack, Ryan, Shannon, and Vincent.