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Pundits often assign immortal status to coaches based solely on their win totals, so if one were to regard their reasoning, Henry “Hank” Clinton surely earned legendary distinction in guiding the boys’ basketball teams at St. Gabriel School, 2917 Dickinson St., to 625 victories. Grays Ferry residents, however, value memories as much as triumphs and congregated Saturday to celebrate the late leader at an eponymous hoops tournament.
The Havertown dweller, his siblings and their friends decided shortly after Mr. Clinton’s May 1990 death to hold a commemorative event, with Saturday’s seven-hour gathering marking their 25th such tribute. Originally including two days of action, the tournament has become more of a celebration of its namesake’s will than the competitors’ skill.
“It was a privilege to play for him,” Tom Green, of South Myrtlewood Street, said while pointing to a banner honoring the institution’s run to the ’77 Catholic Youth Organization State Championship. “Every year, so many people come to reflect on what he means to them. He made everyone seem like family.”
Mr. Clinton’s primary and secondary clans met on the basketball court shortly into the occasion to hear from Rev. Hank McKee, a long-time peer of the deceased motivator. Noting the physical and spiritual benefits of athletic endeavors, the priest blessed the space, dubbed the “Hank Clinton Memorial Gymnasium,” before turning the microphone over to the esteemed figure’s wife, Peggy, and organizer George Sumner.
“My husband loved helping this parish,” the widow said of her mate, with whom she had seven children. “This was his neighborhood, so to see all of you here, I feel happy knowing his memory lives on.”
“We all admired Hank for everything he did for this area,” Sumner said. “It’s one thing to have touched lives years ago, but he continues to do so today. Everyone can see that just by looking around.”
Anyone who obliged the resident of the 1200 block of Durfor Street by inspecting the attendees would have noticed a great mix of generations. The tournament has come to involve the progeny of many of Mr. Clinton’s players and even inspires would-be roster members to pay their respects.
“Guys that my dad cut are here,” Mike Clinton said with a laugh. “That’s a testament to what he meant to people that they would put that aside and choose to say ‘Thank you’ for his hard work.”
Mr. Clinton grew up on 28th and Morris streets and attended Southeast Catholic High School, where he captained the swimming team and ranked second in the Catholic League. He served in the Navy during World War II and came to carve out a career as an electrician.
“He was tireless,” Hank Clinton Jr. said. “He had a large family to take care of, so he knew how to manage responsibilities. He and my mom made a great team on their own in that regard.”
While households and entities certainly gained from his vocational prowess, including through his stint with Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Mr. Clinton will likely live on far longer as an instructor. He helmed the hoops squad, comprised of seventh- and eighth-graders, for 25 seasons, winning 625 out of 850 contests, good for a .735 winning percentage. His clubs captured 13 Southern Division championships and three Bishop Neumann/St. John Neumann titles.
“He appreciated hard work,” Bill Clinton said, adding that not even his five sons could coast when seeking a roster spot. “We certainly didn’t get any special treatment. Whoever wanted to play had to want to be committed to becoming better.”
Mr. Clinton also oversaw baseball, football and track for the Grays Ferry facility and remained true to his roots by rearing his brood on the 1200 block of South 29th Street, encouraging his offspring to desire diverse definitions of success.
“He preached responsibility and accountability,” Kevin Clinton said before preparing to take the floor for a game. “Looking back, everyone who played for him, including me, realizes that my father wanted us to become better people. We’re just trying to carry that message to future generations.”
Hundreds of guests proved just how far-reaching Mr. Clinton’s influence has become, including Carl Arrigale, who played against St. Gabriel’s as a member of the basketball unit at King of Peace, formerly 1315 S. 26th St.
“He was a great inspiration to the kids around here,” the resident of the 2900 block of South 15th Street and boys’ basketball coach at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., said of the member of the Philadelphia Oldtimers Basketball Hall of Fame. “I keep in touch with the family, so it’s great to be here for another year of celebrating his life.”
Along with the well-received displays of athleticism courtesy of the tournament registrants, the Clinton clan and their loved ones enjoyed revelry thanks to the South Philadelphia String Band, 2820 W. Porter St. Disappointed to see the day end, the attendees learned they can unite again April 18 at Galdo’s, 20th Street and West Moyamensing Avenue, for the second annual Region 6 CYO Hall of Fame Banquet.
“Hank is a legend,” Perry Petrongola, of the 2600 block of South Chadwick Street, said of his role in promoting the spring ceremony. “It’s going to be great to enshrine him.”
For banquet tickets, call Perry Petrongola at 267-446-0682, or Bob Scott at 610-283-7026.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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