Daniel Hand Coach Battles Cancer For Second Time & Plans To Win

MADISON, CT — As his team prepares to host its annual cancer-awareness charity Pink Paw Game, coach Dave Mastroianni will be with them in spirit as he wages his own fight — against cancer.

Daniel Hand Tigers head coach Mastroianni, who previously beat cancer, was diagnosed with a malignancy after an appendectomy in late September. He had a second surgery to remove the cancer last week, according to a report.

Mastroianni told Sean Patrick Bowley of GameTimeCT.com while he’s confident surgeons were able to remove the malignancy, it’s nonetheless “scary.”

The 40-year-old married father of three is a two-time state champion coach for the top-ranked Tigers.

Mastroianni became the Tigers' head coach in 2017. He'd been with the team since 2007, and began running the defense in 2009. He was a celebrated offense lineman at Joseph A. Foran High School.

He's also a teacher at Daniel Hand. Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice described him as a an "outstanding" teacher, and human.

“Dave is a remarkable teacher, an outstanding coach, and an even better person. He is surrounded with support from his amazing wife, three beautiful children, extended family, tireless dedicated colleagues at Daniel Hand, and a allegiant fellowship within the football community," Scarice said.

After the surgery to remove the cancer, Mastroianni was quoted as saying while he needs time to recover and anticipates check-ups, his doctors are “pretty confident this is it.” Meaning, they got it all.

A few weeks ago, Mastroianni told his players he’d be out for a bit but reminded them while winning games is important, “What really is important is family and you’re a part of that family. You have to know I’m going to be away from you guys for a little while,” he was quoted as saying.

That said, Mastroianni reportedly has coached the team from his hospital bed with texts and running game plans with assistant coaches.

Players were saddened by the news but were confident he’d beat cancer again. Players reportedly learned he would be released from the hospital a few days early, and while it’s not clear if he'll be well enough to attend games, the team is committed to fighting, and winning, just like he is.

Scarice said Mastroianni is a fighter. And says his story will inspire.

"With this army of support, if anyone can kick cancer in the pants a second time, it’s Dave. I have no doubt that we will be welcoming him back in the classroom, and on the field, in short time. He’ll return soon, and when he does, his story needs to be told because it will inspire and lift the spirits of children and adults alike.”

The third annual Pink Paw Game for Cancer Awareness against East Lyme will be played at 7 p.m. Friday at the Surf Club. Placards for the Stand Up To Cancer-sponsored event are available at Daniel Hand High School and at the game.

Meanwhile, check out this highlight reel from the Tigers' 2018 season. In the video, Mastroianni reminds his players to "not take your foot off the gas ... we are not done. We are not done."