Sports: Despite North's demise, its Soccer Hall of Fame rolls along

By Melissa Yerkov

Times Sports Editor

North Catholic High School may be closed, but the Falcon spirit has never been stronger.

Various alumni of the former Torresdale Avenue school - which the Archdiocese of Philadelphia closed last June because of declining enrollment and budgetary woes - continue to embrace the institution's 84-year history.

"With North's demise, it becomes increasingly more important to keep our heritage viable," said Jerry Brindisi, who coached soccer at North for 19 years. "People are really suffering without this school. It's a way to keep us alive. It's a matter of telling them you can do what you want, but we're not going away."

One of North's many traditions that still thrives is its Soccer Hall of Fame, and the yearly ceremony is slated for this Sunday, March 27. It will be the fourth annual Hall of Fame inauguration; the ceremony is saluting 10 inductees who played soccer for the Falcons at some point between 1963 and 1994.

"We're looking forward to it. It's the first one without the school being there, so everyone's excited to have something North to go to," said Brindisi. "We're like little kids when we get together and meet. That's how special this place was. I think this is important for people who played soccer."

Close to 300 people attended the event last year, with even more expected this time around. Bob Rigby, a local soccer legend who played for the Philadelphia Atoms and was the first American-born soccer player to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated - the issue of Sept. 3, 1973 - will be the event's keynote speaker.

"I think we'll have a great turnout," said Brindisi. "It's fun because people get so excited. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone."

The North Catholic Soccer Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 27, at Romano's Caterers, Castor Avenue and Wingohocking Street, in Juniata Park.

Tickets are $70 and include an open bar, dinner and the awards ceremony. Tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be purchased online at www.northcatholicsoccer.com or by calling 215-783-8020 or 215-906-8496.

2011 Inductees

James "Chick" Fallon (coach)

James Fallon coached numerous youth, men's and college teams throughout the area before and after his successful years at North Catholic. He guided the Falcons to two Catholic League championship titles and founded the CYO soccer program.

Larry Grebe, '63

Larry Grebe competed at the Kensington Recreation Center before becoming a three-year varsity player at North, where he was awarded All-Catholic and All-Scholastic honors. He later played for St. Joseph's University.

Paul Duddy, '69

Paul Duddy started at Germantown Boys Club before playing for the Falcons' varsity squad. He was named first-team All-Catholic and later played at St. Joseph's University.

Joe Disalvo, '71

Joe Disalvo played at Lighthouse Soccer Club before competing for the North varsity soccer squad; he was named first-team All-Catholic his senior year.  He later started for the Temple University soccer team for four years.

Tom Rola, '73

Tom Rola started playing at Lighthouse Soccer Club before competing for North Catholic, earning All-Catholic and All-Scholastic honors. He also was the team captain in his senior year. After North, he played for La Salle University.

Michael Sullivan,  '79

Michael Sullivan started playing at Lighthouse Soccer Club. At North, he was a three-year varsity player and also earned All-Catholic, All-City and All-State honors. He continued his career at Drexel University.

Robert "Bugsy" Wurtenberg, '81

Robert Wurtenberg was a two-time All-Catholic and All-City selection, as well as two-time Catholic League and city champion. During his playing days at North, he contributed to a 38-game winning streak. He later played for Spring Garden College on a soccer scholarship, and was a two-time All-NAIA selection.

Jack Comey, '86

Jack Comey earned All-Catholic and All-City honors at North Catholic. He later played for St. Joseph's University, where he was a four-year starter, two-time All-Soccer Seven selection, team MVP and earned regional All-American honors. He played semi-pro soccer for the Philadelphia Future (1990-92).

Joe Reteneller, '86

Joe Reteneller, a two-time All-Catholic and All-Scholastic, later played at Villanova University, where he was a regional all-star.

Ray Kelly, '94

Ray Kelly was a three-year starter for North, from 1991 to '93, and one of the few players in North Catholic soccer history to earn All-Catholic honors three times and All-Scholastic honors twice in a career. He later played Division 1 soccer for Philadelphia Textile University and joined the coaching staff at North Catholic.