157829061
I remember walking to Ernie Meo’s house on a hot summer afternoon in 2008. Being a New Jersey resident, I didn’t know much about this local legend; I just heard the stories. However, the moment I stepped into his basement on the 1800 block of Moyamensing Avenue where a few others had gathered for the afternoon session of reminiscing, it didn’t take long for his career story to unfold in front of my very eyes.
Almost six years later, it’s time for reflection once again, celebrating Meo’s contributions to the South Philadelphia community as he passed away Monday at the age of 80.
It’s hard to forget the shrine-like basement walls that were decorated with one black-and-white football photo after another of Delaware Valley Youth Association city championship teams. Each of these very successful squads were coached by Meo, who at the time of our meeting was 74. In 13 seasons as a youth football coach at Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association, 18th and Johnston streets, and the Police Athletic League, Meo compiled an overall record of 149-9-3 that included eight undefeated seasons and 10 city titles. He won 44-straight contests from 1969-72 and 72 straight from ’73-78. The latter earned Meo entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for most wins by an organized sports team, a distinction the coach held for a year.
Unfortunately, the setting was missing the true personality of the man as a result of his battle with Parkinson’s disease. But his former players had plenty of great stories to share, which brought a smile to Ernie’s face. My favorite came from Al “Sugar Bear” Barbieri who didn’t hesitate talking about his former coach’s no-nonsense approach.
It was an “insanely cold” day in which all of the other practices were canceled except Meo’s. On this frigid outing, where a bunch of 13-year-olds were shivering and freezing, the coach stepped onto the field wearing black pants, rubber cleats and a sweatshirt.
“‘You think this is cold, this isn’t cold,’” Barbieri recalled his coach telling the team.
After the coach ripped off his sweatshirt, he said, “‘We ain’t sissies like the rest of the teams.’”
The players then ran bare-chested during practice. Decades later, when Meo was asked why, he said, “Hard work brings results.”
Others never forgot the life lessons the fearless leader, who also was a 1st District police officer, provided during practices and games.
One former player, Mark DiMuzio, said he took away much from Meo, whom the athletes referred to as “Mr. Meo” during his coaching days.
“I learned more about life from my football coaches than I did in school,” DiMuzio, who played for Meo in the ’70s, said. “He taught us how to stay under control because it was more important to work as a team than as individuals.”
Of course, like many other youth coaches, Meo and his staff of volunteers, had to deal with the occasional complain from parents. Meo had no problem explaining how his system was going to work. “Ranger” Joe Androzzi, who was one of Meo’s assistants, had fond memories of how the situation played out.
“‘We are coaching your kids every night,’” Androzzi recalled Meo telling parents. “’Listen, I’ll say who plays and who doesn’t. If you don’t like it, you can take your kid home.’
“Not too many kids went home.”
Meo also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles where he served as assistant strength and conditioning coach from ’78 to ’79 and head strength and conditioning coach from ’80 to ’84, meaning he was with the organization when the Birds advanced to Super Bowl XV against the Oakland Raiders. His collection of photos included an autographed image with former Eagles coach Dick Vermeil, with the words “Ernie, you are a true friend.”
Meo even had his own NFC championship ring he occasionally displayed at his shrine.
The impression he left on others, including those who only got to share a brief time with him, is unforgettable.
For those looking to pay their respects, a viewing is being held for relatives and friends 7 to 9 p.m., May 19 at the Vincent Gangemi Funeral Home, Inc., Broad and Wolf streets. Tuesday morning, a viewing will be held at St. Richard’s Church, 18th and Pollock streets, at 10 a.m.. followed by Funeral Mass at 11 a.m.
Meo’s streak
Ernie Meo was so successful at winning he was added to the Guinness Book of World Records in 1978 as his 72-straight wins were a record for an organized sports team. Here is the year-by-year breakdown:
1973: 12-0-1 city title
1974: 13-0 city title
1975: 10-0-1 city title
1976: 13-0 city title
1977: 13-0 city title
1978: 13-1 city title
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
157829061
157829051
