Bo Hickey was a Stamford native and a gifted athlete, starring in football, baseball, basketball and track for Stamford Catholic High School. He was named All-Fairfield County and All-State in football as a senior, and played football at University of Maryland where he led the Terrapins in rushing his sophomore season while being named second team All-ACC. Bo went on to play pro football for the Denver Broncos, Montreal Alouettes, Brooklyn Dodgers and Long Island Bulls before retiring and becoming a coach in 1974. It is here where Bo cemented his legend, first as an assistant coach at Staples High School and then at New Canaan High School where he was an assistant football coach to Lou Marinelli for three decades and a valuable member of four FCIAC and eight State championship teams. In 1994 he took over a 1-7 New Canaan team midseason and led them to a FCIAC title. He turned the Rams into a perennial state powerhouse, guiding them to undefeated regular season records in 1998-99 and 2010-11. He was also the school's head ice hockey coach, holding the position for 20 years.  During his tenure, the Rams won 10 FCIAC hockey crowns, including his final year as coach in 2014, and made six state championship finals appearances. 

 

In addition to coaching, Bo worked as the superintendent of Lakeview Cemetery for 34 years until his retirement in 2015.  There, his compassion and caring were a comfort to many New Canaan families during their own difficult times.

 

Bo is remembered as a loyal friend, a colorful character, and as a tough but caring coach.  Above all, he loved the players that he coached, and they, in turn, were dedicated to him.  They recall him as  “a legend’ and are grateful to have had Bo as their mentor.

 

Please help us memorialize Bo by contributing to an endowed scholarship in his name that will be available in perpetuity to a deserving graduate of New Canaan High School. 

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