68046825
Young, aspiring athletes need a strong foundation to help them to develop into future high school varsity standouts. There are many different paths to choose from, but the Catholic Youth Organization tends to be a popular starting point. Volunteer coaches teach children the basics while their parents cheer from the sidelines. But there can only be one winner among the readers, and that title belongs to St. Monica, 1714 Ritner St.
Athletic Director Mike Mulvihill was eager to share the uplifting news.
“I was very excited,” he said. “I immediately called a couple of the other coaches.”
The year-round program — minus the summer hiatus — offers a smorgasbord of sports that includes football, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball. No matter the season, enjoyment is the main focal point among coaches, players and parents.
“At this age, it’s supposed to be about having fun,” Mulvihill, who also coaches the girls’ basketball team, said.
Winning, of course, adds to the positive experience. The girls’ basketball program wrapped up a very successful winter campaign highlighted by the junior varsity (fifth- and sixth-graders) group winning the Dan Perillo Tournament while the varsity (seventh- and eighth-graders) won the Neumann-Goretti Tournament and landed a runner-up accolade in the Region Six playoffs.
But earning the top prize from the South Philly Review readers provides the perfect finishing touch.
“We are just ecstatic over this award,” Mulvihill said. “We are always looking to get better and always looking to grow.”
St. Richard scored second-place recognition while St. Nicholas of Tolentine netted third at the polls.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
2012 Readers’ Choice Award winners
Cuisine
Fuel: Soup; Hummus; Lunch menu (sit down); and healthiest menu
Geno’s Steaks: Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
John’s Roast Pork: Pork sandwich
SliCE: Specialty pizza
Penrose Diner: Diner
Ippolito’s Seafood: Seafood selection
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: BYOB; Italian Restaurant; Dessert menu; Chef
Cantina Los Caballitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Birra: New restaurant
Night on the Town
South Philadelphia Tap Room: Craft beer selection
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Celebrate a special occasion
Chickie’s & Pete’s: Friday happy hour; Bar menu; French fries
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli; Cookies
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Caffe Chicco: Iced coffee
People
Barbara Capozzi: Civic leader
Dr. Steven Moskowitz and Dr. William Mestichelli: Dentist
Johnny Looch: DJ
D. Olivieri Jewelers: Jeweler
Rev. Joseph Kelley: Priest/minister
Dr. Gail Avicolli: Principal
Sports
Carl Arrigale: High school coach
Neumann-Goretti Saints: High school team
Mike Schmidt: All-time pro athlete
Antonio "Scoop" Jardine: Local current college athlete
And the Rest …
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
East Passyunk Avenue: Shopping center/district
Headhunters Hair Design: Salon
Roast beef sandwich: Category not on this list
68046835
