Sports
How Legendary Football Coach John Barbati Helped WHS Hall of Famer Clean Up His Act
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The following piece was submitted by the Coach John Barbati Testimonial Dinner Committee:
On November 26th, former players and supporters of Watertown High School athletics are hosting a testimonial dinner for legendary coach John Barbati whose life-changing impact is still being celebrated more than 30 years after his retirement from coaching. As a mentor and cheerleader for his kids, Barbati sparked countless connections for his student athletes as he opened doors for them. One such example is WHS Hall of Famer Joe Antonellis who was a stalwart Raider and later starred at Harvard University. Antonellis, however, almost never made it on to the gridiron until Coach Barbati interceded. “My parents, Italian immigrants, forbid me to play football,” said Antonellis.







