Gridiron Club Hall Of Fame: South County Man To Be Inducted

NARRAGANSETT-SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI - From the Gridiron Club: By Bruce Mastrocchio. Mike Salomone , of Narragansett, started off in coaching as a volunteer assistant in 1993. Little did he know that that would be the beginning of a wonderful coaching ride that would take him from high school to college and back, with a few state titles and a coach of the year award along the way.

"I loved sports, but, I did it for the kids and the community first," he said. " I received the greatest satisfaction from watching young people achieve their dreams. I also had the pleasure of coaching my own kids along the way. Easily the most proud moments of my career."

While doing that Mike coached teams that won state titles in two sports, softball, with back to back titles in 2013 and 2014, and NYBA basketball. He also was tabbed as Division 3 Softball Coach of the Year in 2014.

It all started when Mike volunteered as a coach at Narragansett High in 1993, working with the wide receivers and defensive backs.

In 1997 he moved on to work at North Kingstown High School, under Keith Kenyon, and worked with the Skipper wide outs. In 1998 he was taken in by a fledgling Bryant College football program and was a special teams coordinator and tight ends coach.

From 2001-2014 he returned to Narragansett's grid program ending up as co-Head Coach in 2014.

Salomone did not just concentrate on football. At NHS he was an assistant coach for track working with the throwers. In 2009-2011 he restarted the indoor track program, helped to fund it and developed it from an individual only program to a recognized team sport.

As Girls softball coach he turned out back to back State Champs and was named Coach of the Year.

But, Mike didn't stop there. he was very active in the community volunteering for such varied activities as the Lions Club Christmas tree fund raiser, the Thanksgiving food drive, and the town's gift drive for the Housing Department.

Mike was a founding member of the NYBA, an active member of the NPS booster club and the NHS booster club and in 2005 to 2009 he ran a pre-season boys and girls holiday basketball tournament.

For his commitment to the young people of Narragansett and North Kingstown, and for his tireless efforts as a coach, booster, and fundraiser, Mike Salomone will be recognized on Wednesday night, November 8th, when he will be inducted into the Providence Gridiron Club's Hall of Fame, at a banquet at the Quonset 'O' Club, 200 Lt. Brown Road, North Kingstown,R.I. The dinner starts at 7 pm.

Mike will also be honored on Sunday, November 5th, at a Hall of Fame Brunch to be held at the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington. Others to be honored that night include: Jack Jordan, former St.Ray's and Cal Poly standout; Mike Gibbons, two sport All Stater and current Hope High grid coach; Frank Iannetta, long time coach and sports official, John Abbate, football official and former Woonsocket grid star and Tom Milewski, former Cranston West gridder, current CWHS coach and a stalwart in the state's football organizations.

Receiving a Meritorious Award that night will be Jim Norman, longtime " Voice of the URI Rams " for his many contributions to football in the state.

It is hoped that Mike's family and friends,former players and his many colleagues in coaching and sport will attend to honor him on this special night.

Tickets for the night, and further information and details can be had by contacting Providence Gridiron Club President, Bob Izzi at 401-378-4393 or at robert.izzi@aol.com.

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