Before 1970, Daniel Hand High School did not have a football program.  For decades, incoming freshmen interested in playing football were forced to attend private schools.  In 1970 all of that would change with the hiring of football Coach Larry Ciotti.

In just three seasons, Coach Ciotti would develop a group of undersized, inexperienced players into an undefeated top ranked football team.  Over Coach Ciotti's 18 year career at Hand, he amassed a 141-41-2 record, with 4 undefeated teams, 4 State Championships, 3 All-Americans and countless All-State and Scholar/athlete Award Winners.
 
In 1989 longtime assistant Coach Steve Filippone would take the helm and keep the program's winning tradition alive with a State Championship in his first season as Head Coach.  During the next two plus decades, Coach Filippone's teams would win an additional 4 state Championships, including two #1 state ranked teams.

 
Tiger Pride Movie tells the story of the birth, growth and blossoming of the Daniel Hand High School Football Program under Hall of Fame Coaches Larry Ciotti and Steve Filippone.

The film features interviews with over 60 players, coaches and fans, and provides a behind-the-scene look into the traditions that make the program a success, measured not just in wins and loses, but in the development of good men.

The film was created by DHHS alum Mike Seib, who played fullback and tight end for Coach Filippone’s 2003, 2004 and 2005 State Championship teams. Mike is a recent UConn graduate and looks forward to pursuing his passions for both football and film this coming fall while working for NBC Sports' Sunday Night Football.

Mike has teamed up with Coach Larry Ciotti to use Tiger Pride to spread awareness and raise funds for the Strong Center at the Surf Club Organization.

The Strong Center at the Surf Club is a non-profit organization that is raising money to renovate the Strong Field at the Surf Club.

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