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Enamored with excellence, Bryan Hughes has spent the last three years helming the South Philadelphia Tennis Association, his steadfast initiative for spurring growth and development among neighborhood children. For his dedication to contributing to his native turf, the 45-year-old instructor has garnered top youth/recreation league coach honors.
“I have a lot of pride in South Philly, the resident of the 1100 block of South Eighth Street said, “and anything that I can do to see our kids do better, I want to make it happen.”
A commended motivator who has overseen championship efforts in Texas and Florida, the Passyunk Square dweller has assisted hundreds of local youngsters through such measures as junior team play and the National Junior Tennis and Learning program. Along with offering tactical tips, he has preached personal responsibility to attendees at spaces such as Barry Playground, 18th and Johnston streets, and Guerin Recreation Center, 2201 S. 16th St., and within educational settings like Edwin M. Stanton School, 1700 Christian St., and Girard Academic Music Program, 2136 W. Ritner St., with enrollees at the latter proving so receptive to his message that they have joined him as assistants.
“From being so involved in the sport, I’ve seen tennis bring order out of chaos in my life and students’ lives,” Hughes said. “Many parents have told me their children are doing better in school and at home because of our time together, so that’s awesome to have helped make possible.”
Preparing for a full spring instructional season, the coach hopes numerous new boys and girls join him in enjoying the esteemed “sport of a lifetime.”
“It makes me proud to see local kids do well in anything,” Hughes said, “so if I can make tennis one of the activities they excel in, I’m thrilled to play my part.”
Anderson Monarchs multi-sport coach Steve Bandura looked regal in second, while Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association baseball coach Joe Messina slid into third.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Steak ‘Em Up French fries
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies Hoagie
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef
Sweet Tooth
Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies
People
Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete
Places
DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop
TLA Music venue
On the Move
Planet Fitness Gym/health club
DanceAdelphia Ballet program
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class
And Let’s Not Forget
Bartender Category not on this list
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