Theta Chi - University of Florida

THETA CHI PAGE 3 W hen John Grieco '90 was a coach for the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas), a visiting Navy SEAL told the team: "Feed your why." The "why," John explained, is what drives you daily; something simple yet meaningful. Only two things are on John's "why" list: his family and his team (including the many football teams he has worked with as well as his current work team). One team is also a family in John's book: his Theta Chi brothers from 10 Fraternity Row. "Truth, Temperance, and Tolerance couldn't be any better of a phrase for coaching," John said. "As brothers, we embraced one another from every background and demographic, and we were all family. Every coach, player, and team that I worked with, including the team I'm on today, is treated in that same manner." COUNTLESS MEMORIES John and his roommate Greg Anderson '90 were recruited to Tau Chapter by the late Al Torchia '88. Their meeting sparked "instant camaraderie," according to John, and this continued as Al welcomed them to the Chapter House. Both the good times and the tough times solidified their bond and shaped John as a man. Though John and his brothers don't see each other as often as he'd like, each reunion confirms their bonds will never break. He even has the honor of being godfather to the children of Lisa and Sean Dillon '90. "The memories of lifelong brotherhood and true friendships are tremendous." MANY FULFILLING TEAMS John's passion for the world of athletics, especially football, dates back to age 5. "Everything about football—from the toughness and grind to teamwork and reliance on one another—has always molded and inspired me. Coaching at the highest level fueled that even more, and my family and I were truly blessed." In a 20-year career, John was fortunate enough to coach every level of athlete from high school to NFL Hall of Famers, impacting their lives and careers. He is perhaps best known for his three seasons with the Raiders, where he coached strength and conditioning. Before that, he was the director of strength and conditioning for four seasons with the UNLV football team. John's favorite coaching job, however, came in 2015, when he worked with his son's football team as often as his work commitments allowed. "I had more fun than the kids themselves—plus we won the championship!" 2015 was also the year in which John made a career change. Full-time coaching involved lots of travel and moving around, and he wanted to give his children more stability and be present through their high school years. Luckily, John found a great opportunity through a close friend, and ever since he has worked for Arthrex in medical device sales. "Our agency is a team-driven, competitive model that parallels coaching in many ways," John said. "In other words, it fits in directly with my daily 'why.'" WHERE WE CAME FROM From coaching to family and brotherhood, John is thankful for all he and his teams have built together; he's also honored to appear in Tau Topics. "Looking back on those years has made me laugh a thousand times and has also brought me to tears. I'm truly honored and humbled!" John lives in Jupiter, Florida, and can be reached at jgrieco75@gmail.com. Because of Theta Chi John Grieco '90 on Being a Team Player John's Advice to Tau Chapter "Find your 'why' and work your ass off to be the best at it. Nothing in this world worth a damn is easy. Be mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger than your competition, and go be great!" President Ryan Crossan '22 Vice President Gavin Serwe '22 Recruitment Chairman Caine Fisher '22 Treasurer Matias Jaramillo '22 Vice President of Health and Safety Jadian Borrero '22 Marshal Jashton Hunter '22 Secretary Gabe De Brito '22 Scholastic Chairman Wade Zenner '22 2024 Executive Board

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