In his recently published book No Limits, Mr. Mark Amatucci ‘70, Calvert Hall School Counselor and Basketball Head Coach icon, reflects on his distinguished career. He provides a first-hand account of his journey as a basketball coach, including the professional struggles and triumphs he experienced along the way.
In his recently published book No Limits, Mr. Mark Amatucci ‘70, Calvert Hall School Counselor and Basketball Head Coach icon, reflects on his distinguished career. He provides a first-hand account of his journey as a basketball coach, including the professional struggles and triumphs he experienced along the way.
In 2014, Mr. Amatucci’s journey came full circle when Calvert Hall named the floor of the school’s basketball court in his honor. “Coach Tuch Court” recognizes his lasting legacy to the Calvert Hall basketball program and community. Mr. Amatucci believes the floor belongs to all the players and coaches that helped shape him on his journey.
When asked what motivated him to write a book describing his journey, Mr. Amatucci commented, “I’ve been thinking about writing the book for a long time. A large publisher had previously approached me about doing a book, but they wanted a book just about basketball. I wanted to write about my relationships and experiences with players in terms of their development, what it took to be successful – both in school and in life.” According to Mr. Amatucci, the final push to write the book came last year when a sports documentary on Baltimore high school basketball aired that he felt overlooked Calvert Hall’s program and successes.
Beginning early in 2018, Mr. Amatucci teamed with Mr. Todd Karpovich ‘90 and Mr. Joe Baker ‘76, to assist him draft, edit, and publish No Limits. Mr. Amatucci estimates each chapter took about two weeks to write. Chapters describe Mr. Amatucci’s time coaching at Calvert Hall, including when the school won the high school National Championship in 1982, his move from high school to a Division 1 head coach, and his tenures at Loyola College and Anne Arundel Community College. The book includes chapters about the many talented players and teams he coached over the years and the bonds he formed with them. Mr. Amatucci also shares the various hardships he experienced along the way and the personal attributes needed to overcome challenges and be successful.
“There are four P’s to be successful” stated Mr. Amatucci. “The need to be passionate, the need to be patient, the need to practice, and with that you will be productive.” He further went on to say that part of what makes his story unique is that its message extends beyond the court. “People can learn life skills, what you need to do to succeed in life, how to face struggles and challenges, and the importance of having a strong family around you.”
Asked about his favorite part of the book, Mr. Amatucci highlighted the final chapter, titled TheHouse that Jack Built, named after an Aretha Franklin song that was popular in the early 80’s. “The song talks about how important it is for family to be together under one roof. We would listen to the song on the road and rally around its meaning. My family was the team and my house the gym.”
Be sure to check out No Limits. It is available both online and at the school bookstore.