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Most coaches don’t bask in the glory of their schemes, victories or titles. Neumann-Goretti’s third year baseball coach is no different, but it takes guts to do what Lou Spadaccini has accomplished. At the end of an disappointing 2007 season in which the Saints finished 3-18, he told his team it would have a successful ’08 season, which they did, ending a 11-year playoff drought.
When Mark Doanto transferred from Roman Catholic following his freshman year, Spadaccini told the future Catholic League MVP that he would pitch in the championship game. Sure enough, on May 26, the lefty got the ball and led his squad to a 3-1 eight-inning victory over La Salle, ending a 49-year championship drought. But that was just the start, as the squad based at 10th and Moore streets added a District 12 Class AAA City championship and advanced to the state semifinals.
There was no secret to this success story. The team bought into Spadaccini’s strategy and added hard work, dedication and hustle to the championship formula. To the man who orchestrated the plan goes the Review’s ’09 Coach of the Year Award.
"We had a great run. It’s really a credit to the kids," Spadaccini said. "They put in the time year-round. This award goes to the kids. Without them I wouldn’t have gotten this award or any other accolades."
Fans need not applause, as this former All-City and All-Catholic baseball standout doesn’t take much credit for his accomplishments. The humble Temple grad said his teams’ dedication and hard work helped his predictions become reality. Catcher Joey Armata, who recently graduated, noticed the difference.
"He brought heart back to the program. We were a more hungry team this past season with a swagger that we got from our coach," the First Team All-Catholic selection said of Spadaccini. "On the field he’s a coach everyone should have. He’s more than a coach to us, he’s our friend."
With Spadaccini, of the 2600 block of Iseminger Street, at the helm the Saints didn’t miss a beat. Some of it comes from his playing days at Neumann in which the baseball team made the playoffs three out of his four seasons, including the semifinals as a senior. But coaching his alma mater to a league title has been even more fun.
"I know what it takes to win here, the kids knew that. I couldn’t think of a better place to coach than here. Winning the two championships here was an amazing feeling," said Spadaccini who was one of the coaches for the Catholic League’s All-Star team that competed in this month’s Carpenter Cup.
"This was an amazing group of kids, it’s a great feeling to coach a group that is a reflection of you. This is more than team its a family, these relationships will last forever."
The Saints’ championship recipe required a lot of sacrifice, which included giving up some of those some hours at the Jersey Shore for practices and games. Spadaccini has noticed the strides and maturation the players have made under his tutelage.
"I’ve watched them grow from boys into fine young men. They have a great understanding on the field, classroom and in the streets," he said.
Off the field, Spadaccini stresses the importance of education.
"I tell my players to go to college and get an education, baseball is secondary. I want them to be successful when they’re done playing baseball. Not many players go on to play in the pros or minors," he said.
Don’t expect Neumann-Goretti to take much time off this summer, as there is still one missing piece to the championship puzzle — a state crown. This year’s road ended with a 9-4 loss to Abington Heights.
"Just wait until next year, I’ll be surprised if we don’t win sates," the coach said.
Runners-up
Carl Arrigale, Neumann-Goretti basketball
A regular to this year-end list, Arrigale put together another fine body of work by leading his Saints to both the Catholic League and District 12 Class AAA City titles. The coach guided his players to two state tournament victories before falling to eventual champs Archbishop Carroll in the quarterfinals. Add a 26-3 overall mark, which includes a 16-0 league record, and the ’08-09 season was another huge success.
Paul Reiser, Prep Charter girls’ basketball
In 2009, the coach helped his Lady Huskies make school history by advancing to its first Public League championship contest before losing to Central. Reiser orchestrated a young team with just one senior to a 19-9 record. Add the experience of playing in the District 12 Class AAA title game and the first round of states and this young squad has a solid foundation to build upon for next season.
Tom DeFelice, Bok football
When it comes to local high school football, DeFelice and his Wildcats set the winning standard. The team’s 10-1 record includes winning the Public League’s Class AA championships. Bok also advanced to the Class AA City title game where it lost to West Catholic.
