Tom Shea Looking To Turn Around Fortunes of Fairfield Prep Football Program

Words normally associated with Fairfield Prep football through the program's storied history include "tradition", "pride", and above all, "winning."

From the championship campaigns under legendary coach Earl Lavery to the numerous winning seasons enjoyed under the guidance of coach Richie Magdon, success has long been a staple of a school that annually attracts top athletes from across the state.

So when last season's Jesuits stumbled to a shocking 0-10 mark under first-year head coach Bill Pinto, sweeping changes took place, as Pinto and many of his assistants were dismissed.

The Fairfield Prep administration confidently tabbed a lifelong Jesuit - Tom Shea - as Pinto's successor.

Shea, who brings a wealth of experience to the gridiron, will try to return the Jesuits to their past glory. His ties to the school are strong and long-standing. He was Fairfield Prep's freshman coach for the past four years.While Charlie DiCenso and Andy Mancini return from the 2008 coaching staff, Shea has brought aboard Keith Hellstern from the Wesleyan College staff, along with six Prep school employees and eight Prep football alumni.

One of those grads back this fall is former Prep standout running back Christopher Casper (class of '96). Casper expressed the energy that has been injected into the program since Shea's arrival.

 "Working with coach Shea has been a great experience so far," said Casper, who will serve as the freshman offensive coordinator while also helping coach the defensive backs. "He has a real passion and love for Prep and Prep football. It's definitely an exciting time for the program."

Patch.com talked to Shea about his new opportunity and his efforts to get the Jesuits' program back on track.

Q: How long have you been at Prep? How long have you served as a member of the football staff?

"I am a Prep almnus, class of 1973. I coached football as a Varsity assistant in 1977, I coached the freshman in 1979, I was a varsity assistant in 1997-98, the head junior varsity coach from 2001-2005.

I also recently served as the head freshman coach from 2006-2009. So in total, I have 13 years experience as a coach at Prep. I have also been teaching freshman and sophomore English since 2005."

Q: What have you told the guys about righting the ship following such a tough season?

"Last season is done and over with. We need to learn from it and move on. We are working harder than ever to improve. Everything is different this year; from our off-season training and the intensity we demand, to the presence of some new training equipment, etc.

The kids see that we mean business, we are demanding more and they are stepping up and doing whatever we ask of them."

Q: What have your players been doing this summer to get geared up for the upcoming season?

"The summer training has been intense. The kids now believe in it like never before, and the fact that we get 60-70 kids each night reflects that."

Q: How is the current collective attitude and work ethic of your players?

"The kids have done everything we have asked. We have made more demands of them than in past years and they have stepped up. We realize we were behind our competition and have to work even harder to catch up."We hope and believe that all the hard work will pay off."

Q: In closing, what are your greatest attributes that you bring to the table?

"In my business career, I always hired top talent and I think the current staff reflects that. I have been around Prep football off and on for 40 years. I have a strong work ethic and I bring a lot of enthusiasm to whatever I do."