The Malvern Prep Community came together to celebrate the dedication of the new Pellegrini Athletic Complex (PAC), named in honor of longtime Head Football Coach Gaspare “Gamp” Pellegrini, on Saturday, Oct. 22, prior to the Friars’ 42-6 win over Inter-Ac rival Penn Charter.
Gamp’s family and friends joined the ribbon-cutting celebration alongside Malvern student-athletes, President Jim Stewart, Head of School Rev. James R. Flynn, O.S.A., Board of Trustees Chairman Rich Devine, Campaign Co-Chairs Bob Manning and Maryanne Parsons, Facilities Chair Paul Finley, and Leadership Chairs Joe and Gina Glancy.
The $2.5 million, multi-purpose sports center features a state-of-the-art, synthetic playing surface; eight-lane, all-weather track; seven new top-grade tennis courts; home and visitors’ stands with a seating capacity of more than 1,300; a new scoreboard, and so much more.
“There was a time when we did not think that this facility would ever happen,” Fr. Flynn said in his blessing. “One major setback was followed by another and then another. But You inspired us with a vision for this place, and allowing Your grace to touch the hearts of so many people, You brought that vision to its completion: the wonderful field and track and tennis courts that surround us at this moment. Inspire now, Lord, the young men of Malvern Prep to learn in this facility the values of healthy competition, team play, and personal excellence.”
For 31 years, Gamp Pellegrini guided the Friars through a period of unrivaled success. No coach in the history of the Philadelphia city leagues can match Gamp’s career record of 278-144-9, with 21 league titles. He steered Malvern Prep to four undefeated seasons: 1980, 1995, 2001 and 2008. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Malvern Prep Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He passed the reins to his son, Kevin, following the undefeated 2008 season.
But records, according to Fr. Flynn, tell only part of the story:
“He understood that the imperishable crown always mattered most to Malvern Prep: the good character of his players, their relationship with their Creator, the respect and the sense of integrity that they owed to God, to their families, to this school, to their team and to themselves. That is the legacy of Coach Gamp Pellegrini. That is the definition of his success. And that is the lesson that all those who wear the Malvern uniform must learn if they are to be worthy to play on this field, play on these courts, or run on this track.”
At halftime of the football game, Gamp was presented with the first game ball ever used at the PAC, from the Friars’ 17-0 win over Roman Catholic on Sept. 10. Also honored at halftime were this year’s Alumni Award winners:
St. Augustine Award - Lou Colameco '77
Alumni Loyalty Award- Kevin O'Keefe '90 and Ryan Irish '93
Hall of Fame Award- Bob DelVescovo '93, Ryan Toland '94, Ryan Polley '95 and Toby Booker '96
The Varsity Soccer team celebrated Homecoming with a daramatic 2-1 overtime win over Penn Charter, while the Varsity Water Polo team had 11 different players score goals en route to a 15-1 win over Friends Central. For more photos from Homecoming Weekend, visit the
Photo Gallery.