Title
Recognizing and honoring Phil Martelli for his many years of diligent service and success, both on and off the basketball court, during his tenure as Head Coach of the St. Joseph's University Hawks Men's Basketball Team.
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WHEREAS, Phil Martelli served as the Head Coach for the St. Joseph's University Hawks Men's Basketball Team for 24 consecutive seasons. Martelli began coaching for the Hawks in 1995. Prior to 1995, he served as Assistant Coach for the previous 10 seasons; and
WHEREAS, Martelli has led the Hawks through over 750 games. In his very first season as Head Coach, the Hawks reached the final game of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Martelli coached the team in five other NIT appearances; and
WHEREAS, Under Martelli's direction in his second season as Head Coach, the St. Joseph's University Hawks reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1996-97. Martelli coached the Hawks in the NCAA Tournament seven times, and was selected the "National Coach of the Year" in 2004 after leading the Hawks to an undefeated regular season record of 27-0 and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight; and
WHEREAS, Martelli led the Hawks to win six Atlantic 10 regular season championships and three Atlantic 10 Tournament titles; and
WHEREAS, Off the court, Phil Martelli helped to spearhead local and national efforts of the "Coaches vs. Cancer" Program, an initiative which has united coaches and fans nationwide to help the American Cancer Society defeat a common enemy - cancer. In 2017, Martelli was presented with the Circle of Honor Award by the American Cancer Society, for his extraordinary commitment to the American Cancer Society's mission of saving lives against cancer through fundraising and cancer education; and
WHEREAS, Coach Phil Martelli stands out among his peers in college basketball not only for his long tenure and many accolades, but also for his engagement with the community and his service as an ambassador for Saint Joseph's University;...
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