NEW YORK STATE FOOTBALL: AS LEGACY GROWS, TIOGA'S AIELLO REFLECTS ON INGREDIENTS OF SUCCESS (December 5, 2025)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
SYRACUSE — As Nick Aiello's legacy continues to grow, the longtime Tioga coach took a few moments to reflect on the growth of his program into one of the best in New York State.

What is Aiello's legacy?

Well, 12 Section IV titles, a 12-0 record in Regional finals and 12 state semi-final appearances, and a 5-0 record in the state finals.

Aiello has a career record of 156-28 (.848 winning percentage), including a 33-3 record in the Section IV playoffs, and a 22-7 mark in the New York State playoffs.

It hasn't been all roses for Aiello, whose teams lost their first four, and seven of their first eight, trips to the state semifinals.

"You reflect on the tough losses that you had, all those guys that couldn't get here," said Aiello. "But, we learned a lot as coaches from this losses. 

"We finally busted through in 2015, then we went through some more heartbreaking losses in the semifinals," he noted.

"Now, here we are with another state title — four in five years is amazing.

"The last five years has just been a joyride for me," added Aiello. "I never imagined this when I started out."

Aiello has lifted the Tioga program to staggering new heights, but admits he's had a lot of help along the way.

"I think about how lucky I am," said Aiello. "I walked into a program that was already established.

"I have my childhood friend (coach Adam MaCauley) from kindergarten next to me, and I have a great friend in coach (Jordan) Hathaway next to me, too.

"I have a staff — most of them former players — that just buys into what we're doing, and they love being a part of it," he noted. 

"The support from the community has been amazing, and the support from the administration," added Aiello. "And, the youth (football) program — so much has gone into our success."

This title is especially sweet for Aiello.

"After ending on a tough loss (in the Section IV finals) last year, I had kids who wanted to work hard this year, and that's what they did from week to week. 

"For this team to walk away as state champions, it brings me so much joy for them because they wanted to be part of this. 

"They wanted to be here, they wanted to win,"noted Aiello. "They were here as sophomores, and they wanted to get back here, and sure enough, they walk away with a victory and, man, how awesome is that for them?"

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IN PHOTO: Tioga coach Nick Aiello. ... PHOTO BY TIM BIRNEY.

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