Cuccia Hopes to Return in 1997

Fred Cuccia, Monroe High football coach who suffered a stroke in mid-July, was released Saturday from the hospital and is recuperating at home.

On Tuesday, Cuccia took in his first Monroe practice since the stroke, watching the end of practice from the parking lot in his car with his wife, Carol.

Despite his rehabilitation progress, Cuccia said he does not anticipate a return to the sidelines this season.

“Not this year,” he said. “Only as a spectator.”

Cuccia, 50, said he will stay out of the way of assistant Don Senegal, 27, an eight-year assistant of Cuccia’s at Monroe and Poly who has taken over as interim coach.

But Senegal, who has provided Cuccia with videotapes of recent practices, said Cuccia is still the man in charge.

“I’m trying to avoid him because I know he’s seen the tapes and has some criticisms,” Senegal cracked.

Cuccia, who has coached the last two seasons at Monroe after a five-year stint at Poly, hopes to return to coaching next year.