After serving as a paratrooper in the U. S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, Tony Canino came to Hinsdale Central High School in the spring of 1958 as a student teacher. It was at this time that he introduced gymnastics as an intramural activity to the school. After teaching and coaching at the University of Illinois from 1958 to 1959, he returned to Hinsdale Central High School to begin what would become a thirty-year career with the school.

During his tenure at HCHS he taught physical education, coached tennis and football, and served as the Physical Education Department Chair. However, his remarkable contributions as a Hinsdale Central gymnastics coach have made his name legendary throughout the school.

Under his direction the Boys' Varsity gymnastics teams chalked up 239 dual meet wins against only seven losses. His coaching career also includes seven consecutive Conference Championships, six consecutive District Championships, and four consecutive Sectional and State Championships. In addition, he mentored seven individual State Champions and four individual National Champions. Coach Canino was the Illinois High School Gymnastic Coach of the Year 1969-70, and the National High School Gymnastic Coach of the Year 1970-71. He has been named to the IHSA Gymnastic Coaches Hall of Fame and the NCAA Hall of Fame. Most recently Hinsdale Central honored Coach Canino by renaming the Hinsdale Central Boys' Gymnastics Invitational the Anthony J. Canino Gymnastics Invitational.

Mr. Canino passed away in 2001.

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