A heartwarming display of solidarity met St. Joseph’s head coach Phil Martelli from his home fan base, following his father’s death.
Phil Martelli, Sr. died at the age of 87 last week. The man known as “Pops” had been a fixture at St. Joe’s Hawk Hill arena for years, often seated right behind his son Phil Martelli, Jr., who has served as the program’s head coach for more than two decades. Before Saturday’s game against Saint Louis, St. Joe’s played a video tribute to “Pops” that demonstrated the true meaning of sports. (RELATED: Houston Texans Honor George H.W. Bush)
.@SJUHawks_MBB lost their biggest fan when “Pops” Martelli, the father of long-time head coach @PhilMartelliSJU passed this week.
My condolences go out to the Martelli family. @SaintLouisMBB @saintjosephs @SJUHawks @espn @A10MBB @MarkPlansky @ESPNLunardi pic.twitter.com/CodF3rbQ8i
— Mike Corey (@mikecoreysports) February 9, 2019
As the tribute video came to an end, the arena chanted Martelli’s name and players from both teams came to hug and console the distraught coach. The game took place just two days following Martelli Sr.’s death.
Coach Martelli was grateful for the tribute.
Thank you @jbodenst @SJUHawks_MBB fans @ESPNLunardi @espn for honoring Pops – he loved all HAWKS https://t.co/70fh7l7EW8
— Phil Martelli (@PhilMartelliSJU) February 9, 2019
This is what makes sports great. It creates a family environment and brings people together. With so much in our country that divides us, moments like this are truly special.
The Smoke Room sends our thoughts and prayers to Coach Martelli and his family during this time.
