Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/24/09
Joe Manuli, formerly the head boys’ coach at Notre Dame High in New Jersey, has been named coach at Holy Ghost Prep.
Manuli has over 30 years of playing and coaching experience in lacrosse. Manuli was both the head coach (three years) and associate head coach at Notre Dame in Lawrenceville. As the head coach, he led the Irish to two state tournament appearances and had over a dozen players named to the All-County and All-State teams.
Manuli was voted his Curcio Division Coach of the Year in 2006 and the South Jersey Coach of the Year (voted by the media) in 2007.
“Coach Manuli brings a strong knowledge of the game and is a proven leader who is committed to the mission of Holy Ghost Prep,” said HGP Athletic Director Jim Stewart.
Prior to stepping up to the high school level, Joe spent 6 years coaching 7th and 8th graders in Lower Bucks Lacrosse. He retuned to Lower Bucks to coach 5th and 6th graders in 2009. Manuli also served on the board as a trustee member at Lower Bucks for two years in 2005-06.
“We talked about how to make the club better,” said Manuli, who noted the organization serves over 700 boys and girls.
Manuli is looking forward to coaching some of the players he coached in the youth ranks.
“I recognzie some of the names,” he said. “A lot of them probably have high hopes of playing at the next level. If I can help them get to the next level, that’s part of my job.”
Manuli prepped at powerhouse Calvert Hall College High School in Towson. He played at nearby Towson State University as an attackman where he was a member of the 1979 Final Four qualifier.
“It is with much anticipation and far-reaching goals in mind that I join the Holy Ghost Prep athletic program and school’s community,” Manuli said. “In the short-term, I look to build upon the sturdy foundation that has been established for the lacrosse program, while working closely with its talented athletes and their families to secure their continued success at the college level.”
Holy Ghost Prep enjoyed much success under Lou Cacchio, who was dismissed from his post at the end of the 2009 season. The Firebirds, who fell to Upper Dublin, 10-9, in the first round of the District 1 tournament, return two Division I rising seniors in attackman Andrew Cacchio (committed to Hartford) and goalie Andrijko Andrusko (committed to Lafayette).
“I am much honored by this appointment and trust that I may meet and surpass the expectations of all concerned, and of those who have rewarded me with their support and trust,” Manuli said.
When not coaching, Joe still enjoys participating for Bucks County’s Master/Grand Master team, Bucks Lacrosse Club.
