The idea for founding an Italian Club (originally the Italian Commercial Club) was born at a Christmas party at the home of the late Nicola Paolella in 1919 in Seattle, Washington. Among those who attended that get-together were the Italian Consul, Mr. Unti , Drs. August J. Ghiglione and Xavier DeDonato, Judge George Donworth, Messrs. Ambrose Chiappa, Frederico M. Bassetti, Idrano Ive, Henry Q. Cervi, Fred Federici, James Rigo, Victor Nasenga, James Scavotto (Seattle City Councilman), John Madonna, Felix Rosaia, Albert G. Vena, Alphonso LaSalle and Captain Charles M. Ferro. Others attended, but their names are not available.  James Scavotto would have his name attached to the Commercial League trophy in 1937 awarded to the league champions.

As a result, Mr. Federico Bassetti, editor of La Gazzetta Italiana, published a notice inviting all those interested to attend a meeting at the Fraternal Hall, which was located at the northwest corner of 4th Avenue and Pike Street. It was there, on January 20, 1920, that the Italian Club of today held their first meeting. It was officially founded on April 26 of that year and housed at 620 Union Street.  When the Community Football League of Seattle was formed in 1927, the team officially entered as the Atlantic Street Merchants to reflect the businesses in support of the team. Under league rules, only 22 men could be rostered.

Atlantic became the first team to score against Ballard in 1928 when they scored a safety, but they allowed Johnny Gaffney to score twice including a 62-yard kick return enroute to 1928 Player of the Year honors.  Ed Tait led Atlantic in scoring with Joe Natelli in second, Ivan Jones and Jim Di Lorenzo close behind.

When 1930 kicked off the Atlantic front line was known as the "brother act" as the three Constantino brothers starred as 3/5ths of the starting offensive and defensive lines.  The Constantino brothers would be a fixture on the team from it's beginning into the 1938 campaign, nearly a decade.  Prior to his standout play as tackle on the team, Angelo Constantino was an accomplished boxer known around the state of Washington going back to the mid 1920's.  In the 1930 finale, four Constantino brothers made their appearance together with Angelo, Dom, Lawrence and Johnny starring for the Italians.

1931 was a season of changes as Leon Brigham came over from the Madrona Athletic Club along with a number of his former players to bolster the Atlantics.  Pre Vacca, standout halfback broke his ankle in an October game against the Japanese Association (Nippon) team.

Kazis Kay, a Lithuanian immigrant whose original name was Kazis Krauszunas became a judge in the Seattle Superior Court system during the 1930's.  He died of a heart attack Sep 16, 1938.
 
After taking 2nd place in 1931, the Atlantic Street Merchants rebranded to the Italian Athletic Club and at times took on the moniker of "Lions". Bill McGarrigle scored 3 TDs and 3 PAT kicks (21 points) in a 39-0 rout of Broadway that was capped by Ike Calhoun sprinting 90-yards for the final score.  He followed that up by scoring all 9 points (TD and FG) against Everett on 11/27 to claim the championship.
 
After finally laying claim to the 1932 Community League Championship, the Italians took the challenge from the West Seattle Athletic Club "big team" for the title of "City Champions".  West Seattle overwhelmed the Italian Lions by the score of 31-0, but did not dampen spirits as the celebration at Casa Italiana echoed in the Rainier Valley at long last.  President of the club and former star end Jimmy Rispoli announced a celebration dinner and dance for December 17 at Casa Italiana Alphonso LaSalle host, and P.O.D. Vedova as master of ceremonies as the Italian community planned an all out party for the football heroes.

Struggling through the 1934 season, the Italians came back to win the Community League championship of 1935, losing to the Olympia Senators in a challenge match against the Irish laden "Shamrocks" of the Northwest League.  Prior to the championship game, the Italians defense dominated with seven-consecutive shut outs enroute to a 7-1-2 record, the only loss to the larger Olympia Athletics squad.

The star black players from 1935, Sammy Bruce, Switchy Height and Brennan King moved over to the Uptown Athletic Club for 1936.  The Italians would face their former teammates in the season opener battling to a 0-0 tie.  Lee Mason scored the only touchdown in three consecutive 6-0 wins in the second half of the Italians 1936 Championship run.  Mason led the team and the league in scoring.

Coach Brigham was coaxed away to coach the West Seattle Yellowjackets for the 1938 season, winning the Northwest Championship there. Former University of Washington player Joe Wiatrak coached the Italians to the league championship of 1938 losing to the Guardsmen after being undefeated and unscored upon all season long posting two 0-0 ties with the Guard previously.  Against the Knights of Columbus the Italians were tied in three consecutive outings.  Wiatrak finished with a 5-1-5 record.

With the ending of the Community League after the 1938 season, Monk Mason and Mitch Gallo rejoined Coach Brigham with the Yellowjackets for the 1939 season, while the Constantino's retired from play.  August Ghiglione became deputy coroner in Seattle.  Joe DiJulio was tasked as chairman in April 1939 to explore placing a team in inter-city football competition.  A team was not put out by the Italian club, with remaining players filtering off to the 160-pound division teams ending a twelve-year run as four-time league champions.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION TO CONTRIBUTE?  CONTACT US! (email)