Detroit Catholic Central High School

BIOGRAPHY

SALVATORE "SAL" CIPRIANO

The Catholic Central (CC) Athletic Department was blessed to have Sal Cipriano's counsel, service and friendship for many years. Coaches Bill Foley '42 and Bernie Holowicki and Coach/Athletic Director Bob Santello '58 often sought his advice. Sal was the type of volunteer who helped the progra behind the scenes, where coaches counted on Sal to help counsel athletes and families, guide young coaches, organize CYO holiday tournaments, go out for a bite to eat after games ad discuss the highlights, scout the other teams, wrk on the football chain crew, run the basketball game clock, and introduce athletes and their parents to the honor of enrolling at CC. Sal's Brooklyn accent was engaging and enhanced his memorable stories especially when he emceed banquets. Sal Cipriano was truly one of the best ambassadors CC eer had, always a gentleman and a class act.  

Sal was born and rasied in Brooklyn, New York where he played stickball and baseball until the age of 18 when he was drafted as a southpaw by the Detroit Tigers. After he graduated from St. John University, Sal was proud to serve in the United States Air Force (USAF) where he also played baseball and was an important part of the United States Armed Forces intra-service baseball program.

He served as an Assitant Athletic Director to Bob Santello and Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach for Bernie Holowicki. He was also the director of the Catholic Central Grade School Christmas Basketball Tournament. 

Sal Cipriano was inducted into the Catholic High School League (CHSL) Hall of Fame in 1990 for his distinguished service as Athletic Director for Our Lady of Grace and Our Lady of Sorrows. Sal also coached, with great success, baseball and basketball at Our Lady of Grace for many years. 

His passion for Catholic Central was only surpassed by his love and devotion to his wie Ellie and their six (6) sons, Mike, Nick, Bob, Gregory '80, Dennis '84, and Ronald '87 and twenty-one grandchildren including Salvatore '13, Tanner '13, and Marcus '17. A distinguished career as an engineer at the Ford Motor Company for 41 years afforded him the time and resources to raise his family and follow his passion. 

Catholic Central High School would not be what is without volunteers like Sal Cipriano who donate their time, skills, advice, experience, friendship, vision, leadership, and inspiration. CC is grateful for Sal Cipriano for the time and amazing talent he contributed by giving him a place of honor in the Detroit Catholic Central Athletic Hall of Fame. 

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME