Ponaganset High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Inaugural Induction, Class of 2011
Joe Bucci
Athlete
Class of 1962
Cross Country, Baseball
Joe Bucci was born on May 31,1944 at Roger Williams Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Joe transferred to Ponaganset High School in 1960 from North Providence High School for his junior year when the towns of Foster and Glocester built the high school. His class was the Senior Class for two years. He was elected Class President for this first year and then reelected the following year thereby becoming President of the first graduating class.
The Cross Country Team was Ponaganset’s first team to become a member of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League. As team captain and top runner, Joe was able to win most of the dual meets setting multiple course records. Joe earned bronze and silver medals in the Class C Races and in 1960 was selected to second team All-Class C. In 1962 the team earned a three way tie for first place along with Coventry and Portsmouth Priory as Class C Co-Champions. As a result of this team championship, Joe was selected to the first RIIL All-League Class C Team.
As an Alternate Captain of the PHS Hockey Team, Joe had the distinction of scoring the team’s first ever goal against Burrillville’s B Team. This was the very first win for a Ponaganset High School team sport. Joe’s earned his third varsity letter as the starting center fielder on the non-league baseball team. Joe Bucci’s contribution to Ponaganset Athletics was leadership by example, personal dedication and excellence. In 1962 Joe was the Journal Bulletin Honor Roll nominee representing Ponaganset High School.