# @canisiushs on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Db_Qkkbn3v9
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69291038-canisiushs-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/a8b9e6a809.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-13T17:19:18.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Canisius High School (@canisiushs) — https://gondola.cc/canisiushs

## Caption

"It's a dream come true.”

Those are the words of John Ricotta '05 upon being named the Director of Athletics at Canisius High School.

Ricotta, a longtime member of the championship CHS Basketball coaching staff, comes to 1180 Delaware Ave. following a 15-year career in professional sports in Buffalo, most recently as Director of Premium Service and Group Sales for the Buffalo Sabres.

“I’m incredibly grateful to our President Father Ciancimino, Principal Tom Coppola and the hiring committee for their confidence in me,” Ricotta said. “Canisius High School is a special place and has been such an important part of my life – it’s a dream come true to have this opportunity to lead the athletic program.

“I've learned so much from so many great teachers, mentors and coaches at Canisius, and I’m just so excited to hopefully now be a mentor in the same way.”

Ricotta, an Amherst native and SUNY Cortland graduate who also has a master’s degree in sport administration, began his new post this week.

"A proud alumnus and 14-year member of our coaching staff, John has shown deep commitment to our students, mission, and Canisius athletics," said Principal Tom Coppola ’01.

"John is well-positioned to build on the outstanding 19-year legacy of Jim Mauro, whose leadership has left a lasting impact on CHS. We are deeply grateful to Jim and look forward to the future under John’s leadership.”

Mauro retired last month after overseeing Canisius’ ascendance to Western New York’s premier high school athletic program.

“Canisius Athletics has never been stronger,” said Ricotta. “I'm just trying to come in and build on that foundation. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s one that I’m very excited about.”

Read more at canisiussports.com

Families interested in the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – ranked by Buffalo Business First as the Buffalo area’s “Best Catholic School” and WNY’s top private school in “Best High Schools for Athletes” – can learn more by arranging an on-campus experience via canisiushigh.org/visit

This place is special. Let us show you why.

#amdg #gocrusaders #pursueexcellence
#highschoolsports

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## Tags

amdg, highschoolsports, gocrusaders, pursueexcellence

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