Congratulating the Boys Varsity Basketball team of Saints John Neumann Maria Goretti High School for winning the 2005 Catholic League Basketball Championship.

WHEREAS, In their inaugural season the Neumann Goretti Saints under the leadership of senior David Burton, defeated 2003-2004 champions Saint Joseph’s Prep in a tremendous 57-44 victory at LaSalle University’s Tom Gola Arena where cheering Saints fans watched on, waiting to storm the court; and

WHEREAS, Neumann-Goretti, coached by Carl Arrigale and staff, had an outstanding year, finishing with a final record of 25-2, and in the playoffs were unmatched in their dominance of the Catholic League; and

WHEREAS, This championship for Neumann-Goretti is the 13th in the team’s history, which is the second most in Catholic League history; and

WHEREAS, The Saints, led by senior David Burton and underclassmen Derrick Rivera, Earl Pettis, Antonio Jardine, Richard Jackson, and Connor Kennedy have shown impressive teamwork which led them to victory; and

WHEREAS, The Neumann-Goretti Saints are nationally ranked because of their skilled talent, which makes our City proud that they represent Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Coach Arrigale is one of the most successful coaches in the Catholic League, now having won three championships in his last five years of coaching, in 2001, 2002, and 2005; and

WHEREAS, This team of true champions deserve sincere congratulations on an outstanding job and a fantastic victory; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor Boys Varsity Basketball team of Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School for winning the 2005 Catholic League Basketball Championship.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Saints John Neumann and Marie Goretti Varsity Basketball Team Head Coach Carl Arrigale, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End