NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – Marple Newtown’s victory over Penncrest Thanksgiving Eve not only captured its third Turkey Bowl, but also cemented Chris Gicking’ s spot in the record books as the winningest coach in program history .
It marked his 66th win since being appointed as the head coach in 2014 (66-37 overall record).
Gicking surpassed Ray Gionta, who led the Orange & Black for the better part of a decade (2003-2013).
The 11th head football in the program’ s history with several deep postseason runs under his belt was presented the following football with all the coaches in program history.
The Broomall native returned to his alma mater with a winning attitude and a passing offense that continues to light up scoreboards after excelling over at Conestoga. His offense holds the three most points scored in a season for the Tigers. The two most being in 2016 (411) and 2017 (365). The third most coming this season with 315 total points scored through 12 games.
Under Gicking’s tutelage, he has coached countless student-athletes who continued onto play at the collegiate level. One of which was Anthony Paoletti, who broke his Delaware County passing record in 2017 and now plays at the University of Delaware. “His passion to help others, the community , and coach football is simply second to none,” Paoletti said about his former coach. “I was privileged to play and learn under Coach Chris
(Gicking) and Harry (Gicking) and owe a lot of my success to them both!”
That success covers a variety of different areas. Paoletti pointed out that it was not just the X’s and O’s that separated Gicking from the rest, but the importance of keeping a humble head. Over the course of his football journey , the former quarterback learned the core values of confidence,
optimism, resilience, and engagement.
“Knowing of the success he has accomplished for himself, it was inspiring to see someone who puts others ahead of themselves,” Paoletti stated. “I am forever grateful to Coach Gicking for being a role-model to myself and many others.”
Color commentator of the Tigers Radio Network, Steve Reynolds mentions the culture and community in almost every broadcast. This is in large part due to Gicking’ s efforts. It’s not only on Friday nights either, emphasizing youth programs in the area. Paoletti mentioned that he still listens to the Tigers Radio Network on Friday nights to cheer for the Tigers. Showcasing what “Tiger Pride” is all about.
During Gicking’ s tenure, Marple Newtown has captured ten First Team All-Delco selections on offense. Those players include Adrian Sapnas, Abel Hoff (x2), Anthony Paoletti (x2), Cameron Mathes, Marlon Weathers, Dash Dulgerian, Colin Ferry , and most recently Charlie Box.
Box couldn’ t have spoken any higher about Gicking and what he has meant for him, the program, and the community.
“I have witnessed him put in countless hours outside of coaching to support Tigers in the community ,” Box said. He continued to mention the importance of how much he cares for his players and the life lessons he provides.
“He truly cares for his players as if they were one of his own kids, and would do anything for us. The family that Gicking has been able to create within the community is what makes him so special.”
Paoletti and Box are just two examples of what the culture has become for the Tigers. Gicking graduated Marple Newtown High School in 1996 and was later inducted into the Marple Newtown High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004. He excelled in multiple sports, allowing himself to play at the next level. You can find him today as the Athletic Director and Dean of Students at the school.
Gicking Record by Season:
2014: 5-6 (26.9 PPG)
2015: 9-3 (22.4 PPG)
2016: 1 1-2 (31.6 PPG)
2017: 8-5 (28.1 PPG)
2018: 5-6 (24.1 PPG)
2019: 8-4 (23.8 PPG)
2020: 5-1 (32 PPG in Covid Season)
2021: 9-4 (22.3 PPG)
2022: 6-6 (26.3 PPG)
All-Delco First-Team Selections:
2014: All-Delco First Team Offense
● Adrian Sapnas, RB
● Abel Hoff, WR
2015: All-Delo First Team
● Abel Hoff, WR
● George Lambritsios, SP
2016: All-Delco First Team
● Anthony Paoletti, QB
● Cameron Mathes, WR
2017: All-Delco First Team
● Anthony Paoletti, QB
● Marlon Weathers, RB
● Dash Dulgerian, WR
2018: All-Delco First Team
● Colin Ferry, WR
2021: All-Delco First Team
● Charlie Box, AP