The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Inc., Philadelphia Chapter, recognized Tigers Head Coach Ray Gionta with the 2011 Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football Award. Gionta’s thirty-five year coaching career began at his alma mater, St. James Catholic High School, in 1975.
After serving as an assistant at St. James, Gionta teamed up with current Strath Haven Head Coach Kevin Clancy at Archbishop Carroll in 1979. Ray’s first head coaching job came in 1986 at St. John Neumann, where Gionta compiled a 15-15 record.
In 1989, Gionta returned to St. James as Head Football Coach. The last coach in Bulldogs history, Gionta helped guide his team to the 1991 Southern Division championship and 28 wins in four seasons.
After several stops as a high school assistant and even a stint in the college game at Muhlenberg, Gionta returned to Delaware County in 2003 to lead the Tiger program. Under Gionta, Marple Newtown has earned a reputation for being one of the most disciplined and fundamentally sound teams in the county. The school experienced its first two trips to the PIAA playoffs (2006 & 2009). Ray’s fifty wins mark the most in school history for an eight-year period.
This annual award is intended to provide recognition to an individual whose efforts and
activities have promoted amateur football. The National Football Foundation mission it to promote and develop amateur football in developing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal and the drive for academic excellence in America’s young people
In addition to Gionta’s recognition, the National Football Foundation also honored Gerry Evanswith the College Football Official of the Year Award; and Gerald Davis received the High School Football Official of the Year Award.
The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Inc. Philadelphia Chapter honors Football Scholar-Athletes from local college and high school football programs.