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Though he confessed he has grown less fiery with age, nobody can claim that Carl Arrigale has reduced his regard for rearing great basketball players. With 10 Catholic League championships, six City titles and three State crowns, the overseer of the boys’ team at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., has become accustomed to receiving congratulations, so it should come as no surprise that readers have dubbed him the top high school coach.
“We’re all about creating a culture of caring and winning,” the resident of the 2900 block of South 15th Street said of his 15 seasons heading the East Passyunk Crossing-situated Saints. “We know we have to be committed to excel and not to give anybody an inch because they’ll run with it.”
The Marconi dweller has constantly campaigned for classroom diligence, too, with many of his charges, including four from this year’s squad, earning college scholarships. As proof of his influence on their growth, numerous past players keep in contact with their mentor, including a few who attended Feb. 24’s Catholic League title game at The Palestra. With a 53-48 win over Roman Catholic High School, Arrigale tied the all-time mark for parochial titles and immediately stressed the key to his success has come from his roster members.
“One group sets the tone for the next and so on and so on,” he said. “They’re enthused about being great leaders, and it’s always good when I can see the older guys again because that means they had fun. I’ve had my share, too.”
With a penchant for posting victories that dates back to his days of coaching younger students at King of Peace School, formerly 1315 S. 26th St., Arrigale, like his athletes, remains humble and hungry to explore the future.
“It’s great to take on challenges,” he said. “We’re always ready to do just that, so this award is more about the guys than me.”
Neumann-Goretti girls’ basketball coach Letty Santarelli netted a second-place finish, while Southern football coach Frank Natale tackled third.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Steak ‘Em Up French fries
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies Hoagie
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef
Sweet Tooth
Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies
People
Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete
Places
DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop
TLA Music venue
On the Move
Planet Fitness Gym/health club
DanceAdelphia Ballet program
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class
And Let’s Not Forget
Bartender Category not on this list
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