Riverview’s Joe Davis clears the bar in the pole vault at the FHSAA Class 4A State Track and Field Meet on May 6, 2007, at Showalter Field in Winter Park. Davis set a state record, clearing 15 feet, 10 inches. He was one of three state champions coached by Guy Amuso at Riverview. STAFF PHOTO / DENNIS MAFFEZZOLI
SARASOTA, FLORIDA –It was a sad day on the track, as Guy Amuso passed away from cancer Saturday. Called the “pole vault guru” by Riverview High coach Jason Means, Mr. Amuso coached track for the Rams since 1981. “We were very good friends, and he was truly a loyal coach,” Riverview track coach Jim Anderson. “As an assistant coach, he raised money for the program, sometimes using some of his own. He’s the main reason, we have nice mats and standards and probably the most poles of anyone around.” During his tenure, Mr. Amuso coached three state champions: Chandler Sweetser, Jared Sweetser and Joe Davis. Chandler went on to Florida. His brother, Jared, vaulted at Florida State. Davis owned the state record of 15 feet, 10 inches for one year before going on to Virginia Tech and now is helping the vaulters at Clemson University. Mr. Amuso’s grandson, Travis Amuso, finished eighth last season, and Riverview’s Madison Schmidt placed third a year ago on the girls’ side. Mr. Amuso’s other grandson, Beau, graduated from Riverview last year. Often Mr. Amuso would assist in other events, such as the shot put and discus. He was not a paid assistant the past two seasons, but was on hand to watch his grandsons. “He’ll be missed by me a lot,” Anderson said. A 1952 graduate of Sarasota High, Mr. Amuso taught at Riverview High and Brookside Middle School in Sarasota. source
