St. Francis Prep’s past never had a bigger impact on its present until this year.
It’s near decade of handball dominance has brought with it plenty of expectations and pressure to repeat along with the drive to keep the Terriers run atop the CHSAA alive. This season brought a different set of challenges. SFP lost seven seniors from last year’s squad and five of its seven starters had little to no varsity experience. They were then dealt a blow when the work schedule of assistant coach Billy O’Donnell, one of the best players ever at the school, kept him from being with the team
“There was a lot of uncertainty this year even though it was mixed with a lot of hope,” Terriers coach Anthony Grimm said.
It didn’t leave St. Francis Prep with a dearth of coaching or success.
One of the former players made a Facebook page for the program’s alumni and many began showing up at practices and matches to work with the players or cheer them on. It was not always the same people, but always a strong contingent.
“They helped us skill wise, but also they where there part of the whole nine years of history,” senior captain Kenneth Franco said. “It’s like history in the making coming back.”
This year’s group of Terriers etched their name into that legacy of winning. St. Francis Prep topped Monsignor McClancy, 4-1, last Monday at Orchard Beach in The Bronx to claim its ninth straight undefeated CHSAA boys handball city championship. The Terriers JV team also topped Archbishop Molloy, 3-0, to claim their eighth consecutive crown, seventh consecutive undefeated season and won all 39 games they played for the fifth time since 2003.
“It just felt great doing what this team is known for and keeping the tradition alive,” senior Chris Owen said. “Hopefully the kids will keep it going after I’m gone.”
Owen and partner Mario Gagliardo were the team’s most dominant forces at first doubles. When the Terriers had the chance to decide the match order the partners of three years would always go first to put a win on the board and set an early tone for many of the matches along with the second doubles team of Louis Martinez and Joe Sirianni. Owen and Gagliardo didn’t lose a match during their run together.
“Mario and I always like to play first,” Owen said. “We like to get our game out of the way because we were confident that we could win. By us starting with the win it helps everyone else get the pressure off of them.”
Franco, the team’s second singles, admitted to feeling the pressure during his championship match. He dropped the first game 21-9 playing right into the hands of his opponent’s power. Franco adjusted and used his speed and precision to dominate the rest of the way. He won the second game 21-10 and the tiebreaker 11-4. His leadership was also important to the development of first singles Roham Amladi and third singles Gary Zeppetelli, who played doubles last season.
“Once I got him running back and forth he couldn’t keep up with me,” Franco said.”
Grimm felt this was one of his most dedicated teams in recent years and one that also avoided the injury bug. Unlike past years the Terriers lost double-digit games, going 70-11. But despite this group’s inexperience they possessed a tremendous will.
“It was almost like this year, these guys were not going to be denied,” Grimm said. “Collectively each guy understood they had to contribute.”
Much of that had to do with the alumni presence. It’s a tradition Francis said he plans on taking part in next season and something that will likely continue moving forward.
“I think without the help of the alumni the team wouldn’t be as good as it is.” Owen said. “Mr. Grimm is an excellent coach, but he can’t coach everyone all the time. Having his past players who were also champions is a big plus that helps us continue on the tradition.”