Frank Lenti entered the state record book on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Westchester. The Mount Carmel coach recorded his 307th career victory when the Caravan dismantled St. Joseph 62-8 in a Catholic League crossover game.
Lenti became the state’s all-time winningest football coach, surpassing former Richards coach Gary Korhonen.
“Congratulations to him,” said St. Joseph coach Anthony Griffin, who is in his first year as a head coach. “It’s a great honor for him, and it gives us something to look up to.”
The St. Joseph athletic department had a plaque already made up with the date on it congratulating Lenti on his accomplishment. That was one of three plaques that Lenti received in a brief postgame ceremony. His brother David Lenti and long-time assistant Pete Kammholz also received plaques for being the two assistants who have coached with Lenti for more than 27 years.
As for the game, the No. 5 Caravan (4-0) raced to a 28-0 first-quarter lead, and the starters were pulled early in the second quarter. Quarterback Don Butkus threw three touchdown passes against the Chargers (0-4). By mutual agreement, the running clock was started with 6 minutes, 7 seconds left in the second quarter.
“We never talked about this during the week,” Frank Lenti said. “This accomplishment is a tribute to the entire program. This is more than about just one person. Gary (Korhonen) is a walking legend. But I’m very proud of the fact that we did it in 28 years with the level of competition that we play.”
Lenti’s players lifted him on their shoulders as the team gathered around him to sing the fight song. His players also presented him with a signed game ball enclosed in a glass case.
“Frank takes a lot of pride in coaching the coaches,” an emotional David Lenti said. “He crosses every T and dots every I. His leadership and guidance is what makes him such a good coach.”
Mount Carmel is planning a ceremony at the school on Oct. 8 that will include those associated with the football program.
Coach of the game:
Mount Carmel coach Frank Lenti 307-54 career record, .850 winning percentage.
Key performers:
Mount Carmel — Don Butkus, 6-for-7, 72 yards, 3 TDs; Joe McNally, fumble recovery for a TD; Draco Smith, 2 carries, 42 yards, TD. St. Joseph — Wayne Davis, 12 carries, 32 yards.
