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This season marks Gene Mattioli’s 30th as the Neumann-Goretti, formerly St. John Neumann, boys’ bowling coach. There have been many memorable highlights during those decades, including 10 Catholic League titles and a city crown. The program’s last championship came in 2003.
The 2005-06 season comes with its share of challenges as the Saints are very young and have a low player turnout – a combined 12 bowlers on varsity and junior varsity. They head into today’s 3 p.m. match against Archbishop Carroll at St. Monica Lanes, 16th and Shunk streets, with a 2-6 record. Last week, the team lost three out of four games to Cardinal O’Hara and Roman Catholic, respectively.
Despite the slow start, Mattioli is confident his squad can handle whatever the new season presents.
"Patience is important this year so I don’t put extra pressure on them as they’re improving and growing," he said.
Commitment also is key. The Saints practice Sunday mornings at St. Monica Lanes, but if they’re going to maintain the program’s winning ways, afternoon and evenings practices could be beneficial as the playoff picture become clear.
"I am going to demand a high level of dedication from these 12 bowlers in order to have a chance [in the playoffs]," Mattioli said.
The veteran of the group is returning Third Team All-Catholic Joe Pezzano, who carried a 184 average as a junior. He bowled a team-high 541 series in last week’s loss to Roman Catholic.
SOPHOMORES JONATHAN DONNELLY and Anthony Spino, each with a 175 average, are returning varsity starters. Spino finished strong last season, bowling a 531 series in the quarterfinal match against Roman Catholic. Neumann-Goretti ultimately lost, 2,897-2,609.
The Saints also have some new faces in their lineup in sophomore Levon Walker and junior Anthony Caffari, who both bowled junior varsity last year. The surprise of the new class is freshman John Christina, who has a 165 average through the first two matches this season.
The newcomers will try to fill the void left by First Team All-Catholic Joe Stankiewicz (197 average) and Second Team All-Catholic Steve DiGiovanni (188 average). They were both members of the ’02 and ’03 Catholic League championship teams.
Molding the squad into championship caliber will include some challenges for Mattioli, but the veteran coach has a strong support staff. Assistant coaches Tony Herner, Vince Campolongo and Frank Ward have each played active roles in the program over the last three decades.
"It’s going to be a good challenge to build the team and remain competitive, while trying to improve the whole group," Mattioli said.
The upside is the Saints are young with Pezzano as the lone senior. Three freshmen, five sophomores and three juniors round out the squad. And Neumann-Goretti will face each team twice. Come January, the Saints will have a chance to avenge those opening-week losses to Cardinal O’Hara and Roman Catholic. Mattioli foresees both being the favorites in the title chase. But, the combination of self-motivation and steady practice could have the Saints ready for a playoff run.
"We’re looking to basically stay in the hunt until we get this group to a little bit high level," Mattioli said.
2005-06 Schedule
Dec. 22 Archbishop Carroll Home
Jan. 3 Kennedy-Kenrick Away
Jan. 5 Monsignor Bonner Home
Jan. 10 St. Joe’s Prep Away
Jan. 17 Cardinal O’Hara Away
Jan. 19 Roman Catholic Home
Jan. 24 Bye
Jan. 26 Archbishop Carroll Away
Jan. 31 Kennedy-Kenrick Home
Feb. 2 Monsignor Bonner Away
Feb. 7 St. Joe’s Prep Home
Feb. 14 First Round Playoffs
Feb. 16 Quarterfinals
Feb. 21 Semifinals
Feb. 25 Championship
All matches start at 3:30 p.m. Home games are played at St. Monica Lanes, 16th and Shunk streets.
A WINNING TRADITION
Neumann-Goretti’s bowling program might’ve hit a championship dry spell, but it’s still one of the Catholic League’s top programs. When it comes to bowling, the school has garnered 10 titles, as well as a city crown, since the 1978-79 season. Here is a look at the championship years:
Year Result
2003 Defeated St. Joe’s Prep
2002 Defeated St. Joe’s Prep
2001 Defeated Archbishop Ryan
1999 Defeated St. Joe’s Prep
1998 Defeated Conwell-Egan
1997 Defeated Conwell-Egan
1992 Defeated Bishop Egan
1987 Defeated Father Judge
1985 Defeated Bishop Egan
1979 Defeated Germantown*
1979 Defeated North Catholic
*The win over Germantown was for the Philadelphia City Title
