Coach Gionta to Enter Delco Hall of Fame

Coach Ray Gionta will be enshrined in the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame as a member of their class of 2009 on October 22.  Gionta is being recognized for his efforts as a player at St. James and a coach for over thirty years.

Gionta’s playing career was highlighted by a pair of Philadelphia Catholic League Southern Division Championships in 1969 and 1970. Following his junior season, Coach Gionta was named the St. James Most Improved Player and earned honorable mention All-Delco recognition. Under the direction of longtime Bulldog coach Joe Logue, Gionta anchored the ‘Dogs offensive and defensive lines. Gionta became the first player to be named All-Catholic on both sides of the ball in the same year.

Coach Gionta also coached at several Delaware County schools during his career, including time as an assistant at: Archbishop Caroll, St. James, and Strath Haven.  Gionta was the last head coach in program history at St. James, leading his Bulldogs to the Catholic League Southern Division Championship in 1991.

As the head coach at Marple Newtown since 2003, Ray has overseen one of the most successful runs in school history.  The Tigers 2006 PIAA District 1 Playoff appearance was the first in school history. Gionta won his 100th game as a head coach earlier in the 2009 season against Springfield.

The 2009 Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 22 at the Concordville Inn.  The event kicks off with a cash bar at 6 PM and dinner at 7:15 PM.  Tickets are $35 and can be purcashed in advance by mailing a check to Joe Cirilli at the address below.  Please make checks payable to: Delco Athletes Hall of Fame.

Send check to “Delco Athletes Hall of Fame”:
Joe Cirilli
P.O Box 67
Woodlyn, PA  19094-0067

Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame

610.494.3845

www.delcohalloffame.org

delcofame@aol.com