Ray Gionta served as Marple Newtown’s Head Football Coach for 11 seasons from 2003 through 2013. The St. James Catholic High School graduate led the program to unprecedented heights, including the only three PIAA playoff appearances in school history.
Under Gionta’s leadership, the program had 7 winning seasons to go along with the 3 playoff appearances. He finished with a career record of 65-55 (.542), the most wins by any head football coach in school history. The 11 years from 2003-2013 under Gionta produced the most wins over any equal span in school history.
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 also oversaw the Tigers offensive unit, which was one of the Central League’s top units, consistently averaging over 20 points per game in his tenure. In 2011, Gionta’s Wing-T system set a school record for most points scored in a season (295).
Gionta’s playing career was highlighted by a pair of Philadelphia Catholic League Southern Division Championships in 1969 and 1970. Following his junior season, Coach Gionta was named the St. James Most Improved Player and earned honorable mention All-Delco recognition. Under the direction of longtime Bulldog coach Joe Logue, Gionta anchored the ‘Dogs offensive and defensive lines. Gionta became the first player to be named All-Catholic on both sides of the ball in the same year.
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 Stadium.
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, recognized Gionta’s dedication to the sport, passion for the game of high school football and ability to teach to game.
Gionta is a graduate of West Chester University and the former St. James High School in Chester, PA.