WOOD RIVER JCT. — It would be difficult to find a coaching resume featuring more experience and diversification than Kevin Capone’s credential sheet.
Chariho’s recently hired football coach shows coaching stops along the way since the 1990s in Florida, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut and now Rhode Island. The University of Central Florida player was head football coach at his alma mater in Maynard, Mass. While most of his 30-year experience in education lists football gigs, he also has coached wrestling, track, baseball and currently positions as Killingly (Conn.) High girls golf coach and baseball assistant for the last two-plus years.
“I’ve coached a number of sports but I identify as a football coach,” said Capone, a Killingly physical education teacher currently. “I was attracted to the Chariho job because their values align with mine such as working toward providing student-athletes with the skills necessary to achieve success in the classroom, on the field and within the community. I got a strong sense that the administration would provide the support necessary to make that happen.”
Capone is experienced enough to be comfortable with who he is and where he is. He’s not ready to retire nor seemingly aspiring to use Chariho to embellish an already impressive coaching credential profile.
“I’m looking to stay here and get involved in the community,” Capone said. “As far as my style is concerned, I want to play fast and physical.”
There wasn’t an Eastern Connecticut Conference team as physical or with a more explosive offense than Killingly in the last 10-plus seasons. Coach Chad Neal’s state title teams and contenders have featured powerful running games with big linemen and 1,000 to 2,000-yard a season running backs. Relentless weight-lifting has been a staple behind Killingly’s success, and Capone looks to replicate that as much as possible at Chariho.
Prevopis Chariho coach William Samiagio resigned-retired after going 4-7 last year, ending his four-year regime. The Chargers have had four head coaches since Mike Kelly, who led the Chargers to the ‘11 Division II state title, stepped down in 2013. The Chargers struggled to win in Division II after the championship season with seven straight losing records, but have been more competitive in Division III since 2021, tying the for DIII-A regular season title in 2022 and losing in the title game. Chariho was 4-7 last year.
Justin Cahoone, director of athletics at Chariho, is thrilled to have Capone.
“Coach Capone brings a clear vision for building a program rooted in discipline, accountability and pride,” Cahoone said. “His outstanding energy, enthusiasm and ability to build a competitive program that develops student-athletes will be on full display. We believe he is the right leader for our program.”