SRO CROWD SALUTES NORTH SOCCER HALL OF FAMERS

When the manager of Ramonos visited our sign-in table yesterday, about a half an hour before our celebration was to begin and asked "Do you think we might need some more tables?" a smile creased my face. Last year, if you remember, we had over 225 North Soccer Alumnists, fans and well wishers to induct the first ever class of soccer Hall of Famers. Our fear was how do we top that!

Well, by sheer numbers, we not only topped it, but we hit a home run. Over 300 people packed Ramonos Caterers to celebrate our 2nd class of Hall of Famers. Unlike most soccer crowds that show up at half-time, when it comes time to celebrate we clearly get there on time. About forty-five minutes before the doors opened, a crowd was gathered in the parking lot, tail-gating if you would waiting for the doors to open. It was so crowded, that many had to use the overflow lot that Ramonos just opened across the street.

Emceed by Paddy's Well and our own Paul Moore, the event went on without a hitch. The North Catholic Soccer Alumni Association inducted 11 men who exemplify the character of North soccer. Each member of the NCSA Board/Advisory Committee took turns introducing the honorees who celebrated with their family, friends and fan club. At times, the place was loud and rowdy, just like many of the neighborhoods that were represented last night (Fishtown, Front Streeters, Kensington, Merritt Square, Juniata and Germantown to name a few).

Just in one year, YOUR event has grown to a national audience, in attendance were:
- Ray Lynch's brother from California
- Ed Stangler from Boston, MA
- Jack Comey from Maryland
-Steve Baumann from New York

While the school is smaller today, Sunday shows the true heart and soul of North Catholic, what it represents and how alive it still is. Thanks for your support and we request the continued support.

FACES IN THE CROWD:

- A soon to be SuperFan in the making, Mr. Mike Ferris
- Fr. Jim Dever graced us with a blessing accentuated by his charm and good spirit
- Mr. Jim Greene, former teacher and coach of North Soccer and now Asst. Principal at Fr. Judge
- Mr. Walter Bahr again travelled from Penn State to be part of the atmosphere and ceremony
- Frankford Alumnist: Dave MacWilliams, Chunky Bono and Ed Leigh were there, thanks guys
- College coaches: Mr. Hughie McInaw (and NSCA Hall of Famer) and Mr. Pat Farrell of St. Joe's and LaSalle respectively
- High school coach: Mr. Bobby DiBenedetto (Penn Charter) and his sidekick Steve Smith and Mr. Paul Duddy (North Penn)
- Fr. Vince Smith and Tom Kaiser of North Catholic

Next up is a Celebrity BarTender function at Casper's in Mayfair (Cottman and Frankford Avenues) on April 18 from 4 to 8. On tap are: Franny Wallace, Pat Morris, Jerry Brindisi, John McCarthy to name a few and we are working on a couple of surprises as well.

Don't forget the 18th Annual North Catholic Soccer Golf Outing is April 25 at Juniata, please call or email Joe Steffa (215-783-8020/jsteffa@comcast.net), Jerry Brindisi(215-906-8496/brindinski@aol.com) or Tom Crossett (215-860-6575/tcrosset@northcatholicsoccer.com).