Was an Assistant Coach at AHS in Football, Hockey and Baseball ’83 and ‘84
Voted “Best Athlete” by Class of ’78
Gene Cote began his athletic career in freshman football in 1974. He went on to letter in varsity football his sophomore, junior, and senior years. As a sophomore he ran back a kickoff return for an 89-yard touchdown. As a junior he was the leading team rusher with 909 yards on 164 carries for an exciting 5.5 yard per carry average. He had 12 touchdowns and 6 PAT (points after touchdown) for a total of 78 points. He was the recipient of the “Hatchet ‘Award” for his heroic defensive plays. Gene was elected a tri-captain for the 1977 season, was a Cape Ann League All-Star, as he excelled both offensively and defensively. He rushed for 616 yards on 139 carries and 6 touchdowns.
According to records that were compiled by historian Bert Spofford for the years 1904 – 1988, Gene was the 13th overall in scoring with 19 TD’s and 3 two-point conversions for a total of 120 points. For the 1977 season he was awarded the Anthony Tassinari Most Valuable Player Award.
Gene played hockey all 4 years at AHS where he lettered his sophomore, junior, and senior years. According to Coach Leo Dupere, Gene played “super tenacious” defense in his sophomore and junior years. “He was always a hustler,” adds Dupere. In his senior year he was team high-scorer with 17 goals and 8 assists for 25 points and 13th overall in the Cape Ann League. For his career, Gene had 20 goals and 13 assists for a total of 33 points. He was honored by the AHS Hockey Boosters Club with the “Player Who Contributed Most to the Team” Award.”
Gene also excelled in baseball where he again played all 4 years at AHS and lettered his sophomore, junior, and senior years at the shortstop position. During his sophomore year he had 21 hits on 63 at-bats for a .317 average. As a junior, Gene had a remarkable .450 batting average which won him the Cape Ann League batting championship and the honor of being selected as a CAL All-Star. He helped his team to a 17-8 record which put the team in the runner-up position in Division III. During his senior year, he was elected team co-captain, batted .378, selected to the CAL All-Star Team, and received the Arthur Joubert Most Valuable Player Award. Gene’s 3-year career batting average was a very impressive .386. Gene is one of the top 3 all-time baseball stats leaders
(Batting average, total hits, homers, runs scored, stolen bases, total bases, fielding percentage.) Gene was also voted “Best Athlete” by his senior class.
Gene Cote was a great all-around, 3-sport athlete and a truly deserving inductee.
Congratulations to inductee Gene Cote, Class of 1978.
