N. Catholic soccer greats
enjoy a measure of fame

By Joe Mason
For the Times

For more than 80 years, the North Catholic High School soccer team has been among the top programs on the East Coast.
The Falcons have won 21 Catholic League championships and seven city championships during that time.
Now, the top 12 players in school history will be enshrined in the inaugural class of the North Catholic Soccer Hall of Fame.
The "elite 12" will be inducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Ramonoe’s Caterers, Castor Avenue and Wingohocking Street.
Half of the outing will be spent sharing the great memories of the 11 men who were instrumental in the Falcons’ success. The other half will be spent sharing great stories of North Catholic soccer.
"This is something we’ve thought about doing, and it’s pretty exciting to go forward with it," said Joe Steffa, president of the North Catholic Soccer Alumni Association. "The guys going in were great players for the school, and we have guys from the forties to guys from the nineties.
"And it’s special because the guys on this list have been readily available to help North any time," added Steffa, a 1976 grad. "They’re great supporters of the program, and now we can show them what they mean to the school."
The 2008 class consists of Father Daniel McLernan, his brother Joe McLernan, Benny McLaughlin, Joseph Hess, John Boles, Tom Smith, Larry Sullivan, Hugh McInaw, Ed Blaney, Ed Sheridan, Don D’Ambra and Pat Morris.
Beyond playing soccer for North, the inductees all remembered their roots long after high school was over, said current coach Jerry Brindisi.
"These guys deserve it because it’s essentially eighty years of soccer history, and during that time we’ve had a lot of success. These were the best of the best in every way," said Brindisi. "We wanted to honor the best, but we also wanted to have credibility. These are all no-brainers, and we’re so happy to honor them for all they’ve done for the school and the soccer program."
The event certainly will be enjoyed by the 12 honorees, but Brindisi and Steffa are looking forward to seeing the community.
"You run into a lot of these guys at the soccer games, but this is a chance to get exposure for the program while having a great time," Steffa said. "I’m sure guys from all years will be here, and it’s going to be a great time, and for a great cause. It’s really exciting for everyone involved with the program." ••
For ticket information, call Joe Steffa at 215-783-8020.