His teams went into most games as underdogs.  Known for their competiveness and sportsmanship, they typically held their own against much larger schools.

Colonial, Evans and Oak Ridge were all relatively new schools at the time, reflecting the growth of metropolitan Orlando at the time. The Hornets played them all, along with established schools such as Edgewater, Winter Park, Apopka, Lakeview (Winter Garden) and Sanford Seminole.

During that time, he coached a number of current Hall of Famers, Including Russ Pierson, Ben Cimock, Tony Wise, Red Jansen, Gary Preisser, Tom Hynoski and Bill Dunn.

Patient yet demanding, he had a knack for shaping talent and taking less physical kids and instilling in them an understanding of the game and a fighting spirit that they often didn't know they had.

"He was an Inspiration to me," said Wise. "Really, I think what Coach Genlto did to his 'students' was to drive home the basics. I would believe that, for those who went beyond high school in football, they were rewarded with the advantage of knowing the 'why' of football ... certainly a great advantage in a world of talent. Thanks, Coach."

His Hornet teams seemed to play exceptionally well year after year against arch-rivals Sanford and Winter Park and against Oak Ridge, as well as against Brevard and Volusia schools. Bishop Kenny, however, was always a nemesis. The biggest road trip saw the Hornets traveling to Jacksonville's Gator Bowl to play the Crusaders, where they seemed to fall a touchdown short year after year.

His coaching staffs over the years Included Jim Williams, John McNamara, Jerry Rowland, Ed Wells, Bob Pracek and two Hall of Famers, Angelo Massaro and Harry Meisel.

Coach Genito, 72, is an alumnus of Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky. He is retired and living in Gloucester Point, Virginia.

"I will turn 73 on October 6th … This honor is one of my best birthday gifts ever."