He Caught On to Dad’s Coattails and to Football

Before he ever suited up for Westlake High, Joey Cuppari had done dozens of end zone dances under Friday night lights.

Growing up, he would accompany his father, Tony, to games every week. Tony Cuppari wore a striped shirt and a whistle around his neck.

“My dad was a ref at the Shrine game when Napoleon Kaufman played,” Joey said. “I saw so many great players. I’d mimic their moves in the end zone at halftime.”

Now little kids in Westlake must mimic Cuppari’s moves. A 6-foot-1, 160-pound junior, he is the leading receiver on one of the area’s top passing teams, having made 65 receptions for 1,248 yards and 14 touchdowns.

As a sophomore, he played safety and set a school record with nine interceptions. Although he plays defense infrequently this year, he has added two interceptions.

“I know how to run patterns better after having played defense,” he said. “Defenders are taught to watch a receiver’s eyes and hands. I’ve learned to hide those keys when I go for a pass.”

In addition to eyes and hands, Cuppari has a nose for the ball.

“There are times we just put the football in the air and let him go get it,” Coach Jim Benkert said. Because Cuppari is a second-year starter and a go-to guy, it often seems he is a senior.

“He has a great deal of confidence,” Benkert said. “That puts him in a class above other juniors.”

Cuppari is a three-sport athlete who was sixth man on the basketball team as a sophomore and plays the outfield in baseball.

“My grandfather always wanted me to be a baseball player, he thought that would be my best sport,” Cuppari said.

“Eventually I’ll have to give up something. I want to play college football, but I need to put on more weight.”

Cuppari could hold every reception and interception record before he leaves Westlake. Benkert believes his future is as a receiver, not a safety.

“His hand-eye coordination make him an offensive player,” he said. “Joey has great hands, and he flat-out wants the football. That’s what a coach looks for. He doesn’t shy away.”