BASD to consider naming football pressbox for a special man

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

The following is from Margie Peterson's Bethlehem school board meeting story, and I will just add that I think this would be a deserving honor for a guy who loved being a part of the scene and was very dedicated to the athletes of Bethlehem. When you went to a game at BASD, whether it was a Freedom, Liberty or Bethlehem Catholic game, you knew you were going to see Lenny and he was going to be happy to be there, would joke around with you and would pay closer attention to the game than anyone in the place.

Now the story::

For 35 years, the late Leonard “Lenny” Capuano served as the official timer at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium, rarely missing a Friday or Saturday night game.

For his dedication, the school board will consider naming the stadium’s press section “The Leonard A. Capuano Press Section.”

The request for the dedication came from Capuano’s family, who told the district they would pay the cost of any plaque and dedication ceremony. Capuano died in February at age 80.

“Ask any of the old-timers, members of the coaching staffs, or the press who still frequent Bethlehem Area School District games about my dad and they will surely talk about his dedication and knowledge of the games,” said Michele Capuano Staves in a letter.

The district’s administration supports the idea, according to Mark Stein, director of facilities and operations.

School directors discussed the proposal Monday at a facilities committee meeting, with some pointing out that they have to be careful about such honors because the district has so many dedicated volunteers and staff.

School Director Bill Burkhardt said he believes Lenny Capuano deserves the recognition for all his service and added that there might be other families who have a loved one they would like the district to consider honoring in a similar fashion.

The plaque for Capuano would be placed in interior section of the press box. No decision was made on going forward but board members plan to discuss it further in the future.