Some people claim he’s Barrington High School’s biggest cheerleader. They may be right.

Anthony “Tony” Arico is in a class by himself when it comes to supporting the Blue & Gold, and we’re not just talking about his continued attendance at a variety of the school’s sporting events and activities. He’s taken it a step beyond.

Now 57 years old, and as feisty as ever, Tony is the undisputed biggest cheerleader among the Barrington High faithful. 

Barrington High School Director of Athletics and Student Activities George Finn knows full well how much of an impact Tony Arico has made along the Eagles’ landscape.

“He embodies blue and gold,” Finn said. “He’s so energized and passionate in everything he does. He’s been around here longer than I’ve been the A.D. He’s an institution around here.”

Finn says Tony puts his whole heart and soul into everything he does.

“He is very focused in everything he does, for teams like golf and tennis, to football and basketball,” he said. “And, he’s well-liked around the state.” 

This 1984 Barrington High School graduate, and former track performer for the Eagles and Coach John Signore, Tony blossomed as a public address announcer for both boys and girls high school soccer as well as football. Tony also was the winner of the Bob Ainsworth Award his senior year in high school in 1984.

“I think it all started for me in 1980,” Arico said. “I love announcing and I have a passion for sports and music.”

The son of Anthony and Joan Arico, and a lifelong resident of Barrington, Tony began his road to announcing at the old Barrington Middle School, and continued along that path at the high school, working closely with former Eagle athletic directors Larry Deschene, Don Kavanaugh, and current director George Finn.

“And, that also included principals John Gray and Joseph Hurley,” he said, “both great gentlemen and a true credit to the high success rate of education and athletics in this community.”

A member of the student council in high school, Tony also blossomed as co-editor of the Talon school newspaper. He later attended Rhode Island College and went on to become an active member of the Barrington Boosters Club, and an after-prom volunteer.

Music has also been one of Tony’s great loves. He’s a deejay for all type of music and works high school dances, Barrington Yacht Club dances, and Sports Night at the Middle School. He’s also a DJ, working the East Bay circuit and beyond.

“I’ve made a lot of friends along the way, and still enjoy doing what I do,” he said. “I’ve been very lucky in life.”

“Announcing is a high honor, no matter what game you do,” Arico said. “People come back and see me and remember who I was. That means a lot to me. I try hard at what I do. I take everything seriously.”

Tony has also utilized his talents working for Full Channel Television along with Mike Davis. He announced the annual Thanksgiving Day football game between Barrington and Bristol (later Mt. Hope), first with Tony DeSisto and now with John Anderson.

“I couldn’t have asked for two better guys to work with,” he said. “Real pros.”

He also praised the late Tom Vendituoli, former Bristol High School and Mt. Hope High head football coach.

“Tommy was a real class act,” Arico said. “One of my biggest thrills was doing the Thanksgiving Day game. Whether it was in victory or defeat, Tom was always very gracious and complimentary. I was honored to call him a friend.”

When he’s not busy doing public address announcing or Cable TV-related work, Tony concentrates on his regular job with the State of Rhode Island as a legislative aid for the R.I. General Assembly, a position he’s held for the past 25 years.

Tony Arico knows what it feels like to be at the top of his game. He’s received plenty of recognition throughout the state from coaches, athletes, and sports teams over the years for his unselfish dedication to the teams and student-athletes he represents. He’s also a member of Words Unlimited, the statewide organization of sportswriters, sportscasters and publicists.

“It's hard to sum up Tony in 25 words or less,” said noted Rhode Island sportswriter Mike Scandura. “First, he's a die-hard fan of all Barrington High sports teams. And, he's a sports fan in general, including a fan of the Yankees. Obviously, the pandemic put our Words Unlimited Banquet on hold. But when it was up and running, Tony was a very active member.”

Admittedly, someday, Tony will have to call it quits. But, not right away.

“Students, parents and coaches want me to continue what I’m doing,” he said. “That makes me feel good.”

Tony Arico is a very unique individual who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is.

“I’m never at a loss for words,” he said, with a smile. “I’m passionate at what I do. It keeps me going.”