Manny Pontonio: Dalton High School

Pontonio was inducted into the Georgia Dugout Club Hall of Fame in 2009.

Manny Pontonio helped turn Dalton High School into a state power during his tenure as coach of the Catamounts. He was inducted into the Georgia Dugout Club Hall of Fame in 2009.

Pontonio coached in New Jersey where he won a state title, then coached at Dalton for 20 years before taking over at West Hall in 2004. He retired in 2009 with an overall record of 379-188. Pontonio helped Dalton to four trips to the state semifinals and six region titles.

The six-time Region Coach of the Year was the Northwest Georgia All-Star head coach in 1992, 1997 and 2003. He was an assistant in 1995. Pontonio also was a North Georgia All-Star assistant coach in 1995.

Pontonio coached more than 65 players who signed professionally or played college baseball.

The longtime coach played baseball at Miami (Fla.) Dade Junior College and the University of Tennessee. He also coached football for 28 years in Georgia and New Jersey.