Hall of Fame honors for former MTHS football coach

Posted: May 16th 2024

Former Middle Township High School coach Frank Riggitano, shown here during a scrimmage prior to last season, will be inducted into the South Jersey Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

Former Middle Township High School football coach Frank Riggitano is set to receive a prestigious honor this summer.

Riggitano, who retired from coaching after last season, will be inducted into the South Jersey Football Coaches Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Battle at the Beach high school football showcase event at Carey Stadium in Ocean City on Thursday, Aug. 29, the West Jersey Football League announced late last week. The ceremony will take place at halftime of a game between IMG Academy (Fla.) and Bergen Catholic.

Riggitano was head coach at Middle for a total of 22 seasons over two different stints. The winningest coach in Cape May County high school football history, Riggitano finished with a career record of 111-110. The program went 21-9 with three South Jersey playoff appearances over his final three seasons as head coach. Riggitano led Middle to seven playoff berths overall and a West Jersey Football League division title in 2022.

Riggitano was also the athletic director for 12 years and principal for six years at Middle before retiring from a full-time role in education. He is currently a part-time administrator in the Wildwood public school system.

Riggitano is one of five who will be inducted. The other coaches are Bill Fisher of Seneca and Triton and Pat Gallagher of Williamstown. Former Philadelphia Inquirer and Camden Courier-Post sportswriter and North Wildwood resident Phil Anastasia (media) and Pitman’s Rick Sharpnack (distinguished service) are the others.