By TONY BELLISSIMO
Since taking over the program in 1999, Denton guided the Cyclones to an overall record of 44-40 and a Nassau Conference II championship in 2001. He served as a varsity assistant under Dick Caproni from 1971 to 1997 and coached the JV team to an undefeated campaign (8-0) in 1998.
"I felt it was time," said Denton, who in 2004 retired as a health and phys. ed. teacher in the district as well as the girls' varsity basketball coach. "I wasn't close to making up my mind when last season ended," he added. "It's something I didn't decide until the spring."
Paul Mastronardi, who coached at Kings Park for the past two years, was named Denton's successor. "I'm stepping into a good situation," Mastronardi said. "I've met with Walter, and he was so helpful in trying to make the transition as smooth as possible."
South Side's best season on the gridiron with Denton as head coach came in 2001, when it captured the second county title in program history, beating heavily favored Lawrence, 54-34, in the championship game behind Bryant Daniels's record-setting 397-yard rushing performance. The Cyclones, who lost to Lawrence during the regular season, finished 9-2 on the year after losing the Long Island Class II championship game to Bellport. "There was a lot of contributing factors to that wonderful season," Denton said. "We had a determined group of hardworking kids who went head over heels to earn respect. It's a heck of a memory."
Denton also recalled the 2007 Cyclones, who developed into one of the county's best stories by going 7-1 as the No. 10 seed in the 14-team conference and reaching the playoffs. "We came out of nowhere," he said.
In 1979, Denton ran the offense and defense for Caproni when South Side won the Nassau Conference III crown, beating Levittown-Memorial 22-6. "We went as far as we could go," said Denton, noting that there was only one playoff game and no Long Island championship. "We were physical up front and had a powerful running game."
Michael Heller, who recently retired after a 24-year run as Rockville Centre's athletic director, said he thoroughly enjoyed working with Denton. "With Walter, it's all about kids," Heller said. "He believes in teaching kids about life, not just football or basketball."
For 26 years, Denton transformed from football coach to basketball coach in a matter of weeks. He was highly successful on the hardwood as well, compiling 306 victories. The Lady Cyclones were perennial contenders during his tenure, reaching the county championship game three times and the semifinals on three other occasions.
"I had a very rewarding career," Denton said. "I taught in every building in the district and got to coach some fine young men and women. I'll miss the kids the most."
Comments about this story? TBellis- simo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000
ext. 204.
