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Carl Arrigale dubs himself “a very competitive guy,” and 324 fallen foes can vouch for that description’s truthfulness. In 13 seasons, the resident of the 2900 block of South 15th Street has transformed the boys’ basketball team at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., into a juggernaut, with his success garnering him the top high school coach award.
“I give all the credit to my staff and the players,” the head man said of the personnel that has helped him to secure eight Catholic League, four city and two state titles.
His East Passyunk Crossing athletes have responded exceptionally to what Arrigale terms “an unselfish, fast, fun brand of basketball.” Their tenacity has coupled with his philosophies, which he began to hone during his days at the now-defunct King of Peace School, formerly 1315 S. 26th St., and his Penn Charter secondary days playing for William “Speedy” Morris, to form perennially potent squads. Arrigale has rarely needed to refine his approach, as his ballers have given him stellar offensive and defensive displays, backing his stance that passion produces results.
“If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” he said of maintaining his focus and instructing his charges, many who have gone on to collegiate success.
Next year’s team will seek to expand the school’s record 70-game league winning streak, but triumph or stumble, its members will receive their coach’s praise.
“It’s great to be recognized, but this is a reflection of the kids,” Arrigale said. “We’ve been able to accomplish too much through class and integrity.”
Girard Academic Music Program’s baseball and basketball coach Art Kratchman claimed second, while Edward Bok High School boys’ basketball head Greg Frangipani banked third.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
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
Neumann-Goretti Saints: High school team
St. Monica: CYO program
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
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