A three-time All-District 10 selection on the offensive line, Cinelli was a team captain for the Hornets as a junior and senior. Emporia State went 14-6 in 1972-73. A four year starter, he earned All-GPAC honors as a sophomore and junior. Following his playing days he was a successful coach at Emporia HS, going 52-26 from 1982-89 while winning five district, four Centennial League and one regional championship.  He was the 1985 Kansas Shrine Bowl East coach and a two-time Centennial League Coach of the Year.