KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene Board of Education has unanimously voted to rename the small gymnasium at Keene High School in honor of the late David Minickiello, a beloved former wrestling coach and physical education teacher.

The 8-0 decision, made during a public hearing Tuesday, followed an outpouring of support from community members, former wrestlers, and colleagues who praised Coach Minickiello’s profound impact on their lives and the school’s wrestling program.

The proposal was initially suggested by a citizen-led committee in April. An NHIAA Hall of Famer, Minickiello is often referred to as the “father of New Hampshire wrestling” for his instrumental role in establishing high school wrestling in the state. He passed away in April of 2023.

Chris Coates, a former wrestler under Minickiello, spoke emotionally about how the coach shaped his life. “Many don’t know that when I was 10, I lost my dad, and I always looked for role models. Coach Mini helped me become the man I am today,” Coates shared. “He was this magical guy, a teacher in every sense of the word. He had this incredible way of including everyone, even the kids who tried to avoid gym class. He motivated them, made them feel invested.”

Coates recalled his own time as a wrestler at Keene High. “I wrestled for four years, and I wasn’t very good—I was the guy counting the ceiling tiles, as we called it, because I was on my back a lot. But that didn’t matter. I wanted to be there. He shaped me, made me a better human being.”

Mark Hayward, another former wrestler and 1989 Keene High graduate, echoed similar sentiments. “He was such a father figure to so many people,” Hayward said. “Other than my father, Mini was probably the second biggest influence in my life. The kind of values and role model he was—dozens, hundreds of guys could come in here and say the same thing.”

Throughout the public hearing, speaker after speaker praised Minickiello not only as a coach but as a mentor whose lessons extended beyond wrestling. Coates shared a personal story of how Minickiello helped him even after his coaching days were over.

“I coached for a few years, and I was thrown into the role of head coach of the freshman team when I wasn’t ready,” said Coates. “He would give me a practice plan because I really wasn’t sure how to move kids through, to really teach them, to get them better. He just made school a happy moment, a survivable moment, and he gave you so many life lessons.”

The Board of Education members also emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals like Minickiello, who made a lasting impact on the school and the community. Kris Roberts, who seconded the motion to rename the gym, highlighted how vital teachers and coaches like Minickiello are to student success.

Board Chair George Downing added that he had been in contact with Minickiello’s daughter, Kathryn, and that the board would work closely with the family and school officials to ensure the renaming process moves forward smoothly. “Welcome to the David Minickiello Gymnasium,” Downing said, alluding to the sign that will soon grace the gym’s entrance.

Minickiello’s contributions to Keene High School, the sport of wrestling, and the larger community will now be permanently enshrined at the school where his legacy began. As Coates put it, “I think this is such an honor that is, on some levels, overdue, and that’s not anybody’s fault. It just is, because he’s just one of the good guys. And that’s what I think we all strive for, is just to be seen as a good person. And he was definitely that.”