Phil is a proud graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School, where he is a member of their Hall of Fame, and began his lengthy coaching career there in 1976. The consummate professional, his work ethic and motivating skills have mentored his student athletes, and Coach Penza’s teams have continually excelled in the highly competitive Catholic Conference. Additionally, the Hawks have won 3 Tri-County League championships, been MSTCA Relay champs, and runner-ups and victors in MIAA Division 1 State meets, both indoors and outdoors. Longtime Xaverian A.D. Charlie Stevenson started, “Phil has brought great blessings to the community of Xaverian Brothers.” Having coached more than 60 state, all-state, or NE champs, Coach Penza is known as, “a voice of balance”, a “voice of reason”, and a “voice of concern” by Assistant Dave Palmieri. Moreover, his athletes adore him, exemplified recently by a team captain who secretly made tee shirts with Phil’s face on the back, accompanied by his favorite mantra, “get it done, men.”
Inducted: 2018