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In his tenure at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., Carl Arrigale has catapulted the boys’ basketball team to national prominence, earning a combined 21 championships, including 10 Catholic League plaques. Though the 48-year-old delights in watching his performers celebrate, he enjoys equal ecstasy when hearing how graciously the athletes conduct themselves. For his combined efforts in molding their skills and wills, readers have honored him as South Philly’s top high school/youth coach.
“I love being able to give the guys guidance as players and people,” the resident of the 2900 block of South 15th Street said of the Saints’ success. “My staff and I work to develop trust among everyone because that’s key in keeping us grounded.”
The Marconi inhabitant, who earned his 400th win Feb. 27 in his club’s 77-74 win over Imhotep Charter, which represented the program’s seventh-straight City title, prides himself on preparing roster members for intense competition, with numerous by-products of his system going on to starring roles at elite college programs. Arrigale values having helped so many young men to make strides in their field but cherishes the bonds that the years have borne.
“I know it sounds corny, but we’ve developed a family where everyone trusts one another and wants everyone to succeed,” the leader, whose own household consists of his wife and their three children, said of an element of his sport that might not drive statisticians wild but definitely pleases true fans of team spirit.
Following Feb. 23’s 64-59 Catholic League final loss to Roman Catholic, which snapped the Saints’ run of six-straight parochial crowns, Arrigale noted that wins or losses aside, he hopes he is helping players to believe in their talent no matter what. With this award, readers obviously admire the results of that philosophy.
“I tell guys that if they’re patient and don’t expect a quick return, good things will come,” he said.
South Philadelphia High School football coach Frank “Roscoe” Natale rushed in to second place, with 2014 South Philly Review Difference Maker Marie DiStefano clearing the bases in third.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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