Antonio “Tony” Lotito

Antonio “Tony” Lotito, a native of Bari, Italy, was a standout football player during his time at Emory & Henry. Lotito was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 1973 for his accomplishments.

Lotito, who excelled as a tackle, was named to the All-State Football team his senior year. A transfer from Bluefield College, Lotito was a mainstay of Coach Pedie Jackson’s Wasp offensive line playing at tackle for the undefeated team.

His contributions to athletics continued after his graduation, as he went on to serve as president of the Bluegrass Officials Association and on the Southern West Virginia Athletic Selection Board for All-Area Teams for both basketball and football from 1939-55.

After settling in Bluefield, West Virginia, in 1937, Lotito made a name for himself as a coach and community leader. He was Football Coach of the Year in 1944, Basketball Coach of the Year and American Legion Distinguished Citizen in 1945, and Junior Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1948. In addition to his membership in the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame, Lotito was inducted into the Bluefield Sports Hall of Fame as a charter member.

In the course of his career, Lotito was a teacher and coach at Buchanan Mountain Mission School, Pocahontas High School, Bluefield College, Beaver High School, and Fairview Jr. High School. Additionally, he served as the Recreation Director for the city of Bluefield from 1947-67.

Antonio Lotito died on February 9, 1994 at the age of 86.