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Saturday, December 1, 2007
The Best of Berks Rivalries
Greater Reading, PA
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Over the years, Berks County has had some outstanding rivalries. Some are rich in history, while others have just recently become a rivalry.
As any enthusiastic sports fan knows, there is nothing like a gut-wrenching rivalry. In this day and age, it seems that rivalries exist in all walks of life, but what will really get your juices flowing are those amazing sports rivalries. People compete in the workplace, the business world, in politics, in the entertainment world, and even at home where siblings try to vie for the attention of their parents, but in high school sports, it is much more involved than just a competition for a prize or wins and losses. Scholastic sports are rich in tradition and a big part of that tradition is the story that is played out among those who play against each other year after year. Rivalries develop between schools when there is a history of hard fought, competitive close games, with the prize sometimes a division title or county championship, but often just a matter of pride. These games become epic events for a school, with high-spirited pep rallies, record attendance, and school spirit at an absolute peak. There are many sports rivalries throughout Berks County, some stretching back several years, even decades, while others are relatively new.
The two parochial schools in Berks County, Central Catholic and Holy Name, clash once during the season on hallowed ground that spans a hundred yards. This game draws the most students, fans and alumni, of all the games played regardless of whose house the game is played in. This rivalry stretches back to at least 40 years of glory and heartbreak. The winner’s prize is the coveted Campbell Trophy, named after James Campbell, the founding father of the parochial football league. The Campbell family had the trophy made in 1968 and they then donated it to the schools. They decided to make it a “traveling trophy”, so that each year the triumphant team could display it in their school until the next time the rivals locked their horns.
This game has captured the hearts and souls of past and present players. Former (POSITION) Dave Stahler, now on the Holy Names coaching staff said, “It was the biggest game of the year just because it was Central Catholic.” Many of the students who play in this game grew up together and played in the same catholic youth organizations. “This is what we look forward to all football season,” said Holy Name, senior wide receiver/defensive back, Ben Lamanna. Teammate Brendan Curran added, “If you go 0-9 all season and beat Central, your season is complete.” Although Holy Name has usually had the upper hand in recent years, the tides took a turn last year as Central decided it was time to add to their trophy case. “It was such an amazing feeling when we brought the Campbell trophy back home” said Central Cardinal’s center/defensive end Kevin Martin. Trey Kelly and Sean Unterkoefler agreed, “It gives us a year of bragging rights.” Part of the James Campbell’s legacy is currently playing on the Cardinal’s football team. Sophomore, Joey Dicerchio, is James’ grandson, and he would like to see the trophy remain at Central Catholic for a second year.
Former Central Catholic star, Matt Sola, who now plays linebacker for the Reading Express of the American Indoor Football Association, said, “It was great being able to go to another sporting event during the year against Holy Name and chant Campbell Trophy.” There are ten games in a football season, but Holy Name senior, John Hoffman said, “This one game means more than district playoffs or anything else.” The Blue Jays will have the chance to snatch back the trophy on November 2, when the two teams meet at Holy Name.
Holy Name senior defensive end, Tyler Strause declared, “We have to get the trophy back to Holy Name.”
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