Ralph A. Laurenzo

Before every game, Coach Laurenzo circled-up the team, took a knee in the center, took off his hat (we knew this was serious), and led us in a short prayer. He asked the Lord to keep us safe, that we would have a good, fair game, and that we would play well and win if we were the better team. In the late ‘70’s we were and often did with unsurpassed team spirit. He taught us to prepare for success, as individuals and a team, and to compete to win fairly. Life lessons that benefited us well beyond HS and the soccer pitch.

Ralph was my soccer coach back in the 70's. He was a good man and role model and had a positive impact on so many young men. He made a real difference in this world. God bless him and his family

In my childhood, he was a kind gym teacher; and now, he was a member of my parish. May he rest in the peace of Christ.