Hall of Fame
A three-year letter winner with the football team who gained notoriety for his stalwart defensive play as a linebacker known for his bone-crunching hits. He was named Defensive MVP during his senior season in 1971 when he served as a captain for the Cadets.
"I had good technique," Ricco said. "I was pretty high on the depth chart coming into camp my first year and then after we put on the pads, I was captain of the freshman team."
Riccio recalled one of his favorite games from his playing career coming against AIC.
"I remember it being a really hot day and they had black helmets and black jerseys," Riccio said. "I just felt like I was in the zone that whole day and I had a really good game."
During Riccio's three years on the team, the Cadets posted records of 6-2, 7-1 and 2-6 in his final season while playing under Hall-of-Fame coach Joe Sabol.
"He was a unique individual and tremendous motivator," he said. "He had an excellent relationship with his players where he knew when to push and when to lay back. He was a wonderful coach."
Upon graduating from Norwich, Riccio worked for 35 years at a non-profit school in Albany.
