Sports have played an important role in the life of Tony Conigliaro. At Frankfort-Schuyler Central School, Tony lettered in three sports - baseball, basketball and football. Out of the "Big Three" sports, basketball is where Tony made his biggest impact. As Jim Spartano, Athletic Director of Utica College puts it, "Tony is without a doubt really one of the better athletes to have come out of our area. He was smart, knew how to play, and was like a coach on the floor when he played."

Beginning with a high school career that saw him selected as a member of the First Team Iroquois All Star teams during his junior and senior years, Tony was hooked on the sport. After his high school career, where he was named Most Valuable Player in both his junior and senior seasons, and where he finished with 1,000 points, including a personal best of 44 points against Ilion, Tony went on to play college basketball for the State University of New York at Oswego. As a result of his college accomplishments, Tony was inducted into the SUNY Oswego Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.

He was a starter at Oswego for all four years he attended. In 1962 and 1964, he was an integral part of the SUNY AC Conference Title teams. Tony was named the Most Valuable Player in the league in both his junior and senior years and Most Valuable Player of the SUNY AC Tournament held in Buffalo his senior year. When he graduated from Oswego, Tony had recorded 1,000 career points and led SUNY AC in rebounding average with 14 per game.

Upon graduation, Tony was named head coach of the Boy's Basketball squad at Whitesboro High School. From 1964-1974, Tony led the Whitesboro Warriors to an overall record of 114-72. In 1970-1971, his team secured the Central Oneida League Championship, and in 1971-1972 they captured the Section III Class A Championship.

Not wanting to give up playing the sport he loved, Tony actively participated in the City of Utica MUNY League. From 1964-1977, Peccorello's Market was a perennial powerhouse, racking up 13 city championships. Tony was a big contributor to those teams. As a fierce competitor and tough defensive player, he maintained a nearly 20 point per game scoring average and an average of 13 rebounds per game throughout his MUNY league career.

Under legendary coaches Jim Klein and Stan "Stash" Babiarz, Tony competed in semi-professional basketball for the Oriskany Garage Wreckers. During his two seasons with the team, Tony utilized his skills against many collegiate players who went on to careers in the National Basketball Association. He averaged 15 points per game and finished in the top two in rebounds both years.

Tony took his love of basketball to yet another level when he became a referee. Since 1970, Tony has been an active member of the International Athletic Association of Basketball Officials #51. A past president of the organization, he was selected by his fellow basketball officials in 1981 to be the Section III referee at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Basketball Tournament. Since 1990, Tony has been an official with the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Junior College Conference.

"Following a stellar playing career, Tony was one of the most respected basketball coaches in the area," said Richard Hunt, principal of Clinton High School. "In addition, he has been a highly respected basketball referee on the high school and collegiate level."