NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – After 11 years at the helm of the Marple Newtown Tigers football program, Ray Gionta will not be returning to the sidelines of Harry Harvey Stadium in 2014. Gionta is taking over the head coaching vacancy at Sun Valley High School.
Since 2003, Coach Gionta amassed 65 wins (and 55 losses) making him the all-time winningest coach in the program’s 86 year history. In addition, his winning percentage of .542 is the highest of any head coach in the history of the program.
The St. James Catholic High School and West Chester University graduate has led the program to unprecedented heights, including the only three PIAA playoff appearances in school history. Under Gionta’s leadership, the program has had 7 winning seasons to go along with the 3 playoff appearances.
Marple Newtown has been the recipient of the annual Don Hoffmann Sportsmanship Award for the Central Athletic League five times in Coach Gionta’s 11 year tenure for exemplary sportsmanship and fair play. This is an award presented by the Suburban Philadelphia Football Officials Association.
In addition to the on-field success of the program, Gionta is also credited with helping form the Marple Newtown Football Alumni Association, developing a relationship with the local youth feeder programs and establishing a community relations outreach program.
Gionta is a member of the Delaware County Hall of Fame and the St. James Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a player and a coach. Ray notched his 100th victory in 2009, with a win over Springfield at Harry Harvey Field.
Gionta added the National Football Foundation’s Outstanding Contributions to Amateur Football Award to the mantle in May of 2011. The lifetime achievement award, given by the Philadelphia Chapter, recognizes Ray’s dedication to the sport, passion for the game of high school football and ability to teach to game.
MarpleNewtownFootball.com and the Tigers Radio Network wish Coach Gionta best wishes and success with the Vanguards of Sun Valley High School.