In 1979, Phil Martelli made a hire at Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown. He offered a Kenrick alum named Geno Auriemma $400 a year to be his assistant. Auriemma said yes.
Both men went on to legendary careers. Now Martelli is receiving one of Saint Joseph’s University’s highest honors, writes Lauren Jones for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The university announced Oct. 27 that Martelli will enter its Athletics Hall of Fame as the only member of the Class of 2027. An induction ceremony is planned for later this year.
Norristown Roots
Martelli coached Kenrick for seven seasons, from 1978 to 1985. His teams made the playoffs every year from 1980 on. He left with a school-record 108 wins…