On March, 11, 1972, Tom Capone became the second state wrestling champion in the history of Watertown High School.

As if to prove the accomplishment was no fluke, Capone repeated as state champ on March 10, 1973, successfully defending his crown in the 145-pound weight class.

Perhaps more impressively, Capone's titles came at the end of undefeated junior and senior seasons for the Cyclones.

Two seasons, two state titles, zero defeats.

Capone also competed in track and field, football and soccer during his athletic career at Watertown, but his prowess on the wrestling mat remains his legacy at WHS.

In the 1972 state tournament finals, Capone decisioned Rich Munroe of Section 1's Ardsley, 4-3. In the 1973 finals, Capone posted a 5-0 win over Cardell Davis of Section 11's Brentwood.

Later in 1973, Capone was named to the Scholastic Wrestling News All-American Team.

Athletic success, apparently, runs in Capone's family.

Capone's brother, Pete, also collected two state wrestling championships for Watertown. Pete won at 145 pounds in 1979 and at 155 pounds in 1980.

Seamus Lyman, a nephew of the Capone brothers, recorded a state championship, too, winning for Watertown at 155 pounds in the 1989 tournament.

Tom Capone graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1979 and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1983 before going on to practice dentistry in Watertown.

On Nov. 2, 1996, in Sylmar, Calif., Capone died due to an accidental drug overdose. He was 41.

Capone's widow, Dollie, and their three children reside in Watertown.

Tom Capone II is a member of the WHS wrestling team. On Feb. 9 in Sandy Creek, the sophomore won the Frontier League title at 160 pounds. He also plays lacrosse and soccer.

Capone's daughters are also active in sports at Watertown. Sophia, a freshman, and Mia, an eighth-grader, each play basketball, lacrosse and soccer.