By Eric Mossop, Athletic Director, Pennsauken High School
This past month, the Pennsauken High School athletic family suffered a huge loss with the passing of legendary football coach Vince McAneney. Coach Mac was one of the greatest coaches in South Jersey history, compiling a 244-91-10 career coaching record, which included a 174-59-5 mark as head football coach at Pennsauken High School. Under his tutelage, Pennsauken High School’s football teams won 12 conference championships and three sectional championships. Coach Mac’s undefeated 1984 and 1986 teams are widely considered to be among the best in South Jersey history! To top it off, eight of his Pennsauken student-athletes went on to play in the NFL: Billy Griggs, David Griggs, Dwight Hicks, Greg Mark, Todd McNair, Keith Taylor, John Taylor, and Darrell Wilson! The Pennsauken High School Athletic Department plans to honor Coach McAneney and all of his accomplishments at halftime of a game this upcoming season.
Growing up in Pennsauken, the influence of Coach Mac was felt all the way down through the ranks of PYAA. I remember reading newspaper articles while I was a student at Phifer Middle School, hoping to be coached by someone as influential as Coach Mac. While he may have retired from coaching the year before I became a student at PHS, being a student where he proved that anyone could succeed was an honor.
While serving as head wrestling coach at Pennsauken High School for ten years, Coach Mac was ALWAYS the standard. His legend transcended the boundaries of the football field, regardless of the sport you coached. The first time I met Coach Mac was while I was working a football game. He sought me out on the sideline after the game to tell me that he was following our results and was proud of the progress the team had made. He told me that he thought I was the coach to help bring the team back to its glory days from years past. As a young coach at the time, his approval and support meant the world to me; for that, I will forever be grateful.
Thank you Coach Mac, for all you have done for your students in the classroom, student-athletes on and off the field, the entire Pennsauken community, and for the countless coaches and student-athletes that your legend has and will continue to inspire!
Relay Team Time Seventh In Nation
The returning NJSIAA State Champion 4 x 200 team of Martin Booker, Marquan Jones, Ryan Wemegah, and Zazhir Russell ran a 1:29.94 during the annual Hispanic Games at the Armory in New York against the nation’s top competition, setting a PHS school record and running the number seven time in the entire USA! This time has qualified them for the New Balance National Championship, held this March in New York. Marquan Jones also set a PHS school record of his own in the 400m, running a 49.65 at the competition!
Basketball Teams Shoot For Playoffs
Both the boys and girls basketball teams remain in the playoff picture as January rolled to an end. The boys team has put together a 6-6 record, including a huge victory over Rancocas Valley, who was ranked number 11 in South Jersey at the time of the game. Quincy Wright, Jaylen Robinson, Rahshawn Thomas, and Zaire Davis have all been main contributors in the boys’ resurgence. Girls basketball also currently stands at 6-6, including tough wins over Northern Burlington and Hamilton West. Briana Roberts continues to rack up the points, as she aims to score 1000 for her career!
Upcoming Sports Schedules
Log on to Pennsauken.net and check out our upcoming schedule to come see your favorite team in action. I’m positive that the passion displayed by our student athletes will inspire you as it inspires me daily!
Athletic Department Partners With 21st Century Scholars
The Athletic Department is proud to announce a partnership with Camden County College’s 21st Century Scholars program in order to promote both academic and athletic success. Tutoring will be available throughout the year for students. While student-athletes can participate in the program in season, the Athletic Department plans on developing an off season “Code Red Student Athlete” program, which includes both tutoring and opportunities to improve strength and conditioning.
All Sports Boosters Seek New Members
The Pennsauken All Sports Booster Club is excited about another school year and the opportunity to work towards supporting the Indian student athletes. The Club presents the Code Red football program, sponsors the end of year Athletic Awards Night, and awards over $5000 in scholarships to graduating seniors annually! Fundraisers planned for this year include the highly successful craft beer and wine tasting social.
Club membership is $20 and includes a pass to all home games and a special gift. They also offer a $40 family membership that includes season passes for four. Contact the All Sports Booster Club at pennsaukenasbc@gmail.com or go to www.pennsauken.net for more information. All are welcome to join! The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the PHS Library.
Follow PHS Sports Online
In addition to the wealth of information available on Pennsauken.net, including schedules, recruiting information, Varsity Club and more, be sure to follow Pennsauken Athletics on Facebook (PHSAthletics) and Twitter (@PHSAthletics1) to stay up to the minute with game results and other school related information.
