107697501
When looking for inspiration to increase motivation, Frank “Roscoe” Natale relies on Abraham Lincoln, who declared, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” The 59-year-old also has garnered respect for his leadership skills, earning readers’ votes as the top high school coach for his baseball and football endeavors at Edward Bok Technical High School, 1901 S. Ninth St.
“I want to be very good at what I do,” the resident of the 1600 block of South Juniper Street, who also serves as the athletic director and a chemistry teacher, said. “I approach athletics the same way I do classroom duties, meaning I work hard and stress accountability.”
Attending clinics, reading and scouting enables him to intensify his preparation for the East Passyunk Crossing site. Though his diamond duties have yielded mixed results, his gridiron guidance is proving potent, as the 2011 Public League Coach of the Year has overseen two straight Public League title runs and as many City runner-up distinctions.
As the seasons and rosters change, the coach, who keeps in top physical shape to complement his mental homework, remains a crusader for achievement yet never parts with perspective.
“I’m thankful and humbled,” Natale said, “as there’s nothing like recognition from people in your neighborhood.”
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School boys’ basketball coach Carl Arrigale posted up in second place, while Bok boys’ basketball coach Greg Frangipani shot into third.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
107705391
107697511
