Anthony J. Bottoni
"What we do in life echoes in eternity."
(January 30, 1979 - December 28, 1999)
Anthony Bottoni was a loving son, brother, friend and teammate, who tragically lost his life in an automobile accident on Dec. 28, 1999. He was only 20 years old.
Bottoni was a highly decorated performer in football, basketball and track at Watchung Hills Regional High School in his hometown of Warren, N.J. He was an honor roll student and class vice president prior to graduating in 1997. He went on to star at Catholic University as he saw action at right guard for the Cardinals as a freshman until a stress fracture in his right foot ended his season in game six at Div. 1-AA La Salle. It was on his side that Andrew Notarfrancesco rushed for the game-winning touchdown in overtime at Albright to send Catholic to the 1998 NCAA playoffs.
Bottoni started all 22 games at right guard for CUA in his sophomore and junior years. He played a key role in the Cards' school record for season rushing yardage with 2,044 (204.4 ypg) and helped CUA rank No. 7 in the nation in scoring offense (40.1 ppg), No. 7 in total offense (481.5 ypg) and No. 24 in passing offense (277.1 ypg). He played on three consecutive NCAA Division III playoff teams that posted an overall record of 29-4 (.879).
Catholic Head Coach Tom Clark told the Washington Post that Bottoni was a team leader who would have been a captain next season (2000). "One kid seldom has an impact over a large group, but this kid did," Clark said. "He actively pursued relationships with all the players on the team. He was beloved by the coaching staff." Bottoni, a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee at CUA, was majoring in human resource management.
Anthony was a great athlete, but he was an even better person. Anthony was the epitome of what it meant to be a "warrior"...He will always be remembered and missed.
Those wanting to donate to the Anthony J. Bottoni Scholarship fund should contact Justin Salton at jsalton@whrhs.org.