the Pebble Spring 2017

Alumni Memories
from the Don-asty
Compiled by Gavin Cardamone and Daniel Mezzalingua
“His first practice ever, we brought the football practice equipment out, and the look on
his face was, as they say, ‘priceless.’” —Barry Spevak, Class of 1978
“The best memories I have of Mr. Ridall are the early mornings of preseason soccer. The
attitude that he and Coach [Venezia] brought to every practice was the perfect combination
of hard work and good times. Those beautiful days will truly remain in my heart for
the rest of my life.” —Joey Cerio, Class of 2016
“In seventh grade when I played modified soccer with Mr. Ridall’s son Patrick, Cady was
being born but Mr. Ridall still had Pat show up for the second half to score a penalty
kick—dedicated to the sport!” —Steve Herron, Class of 2003
“During my sophomore year, we gutted out a win in overtime for the sectional championship.
That was a very special moment to share with him and always something that I
dreamed about since I became a ball boy for the varsity team as a little kid and watched
them win championships.” —Willie Kniesner, Class of 2013
“He was like a second dad to me, so there are so many great memories. I think the best
was winning the sectional championship senior year. The seniors on that team had been
teammates and good friends for a very long time, and winning that championship for Mr.
Ridall was a great vindication of his leadership. We had a multiple-goal lead with a few
minutes left, but I will always remember him coaching us and screaming on the sideline
until the final whistle. Giving him a hug on the sideline with a few seconds remaining [is]
a great memory.”—Brian Scruton, Class of 2003
“My best memory of Mr. Ridall [is] the famous 2000 State Championship ‘knee slide.’”
—Brian Perry, Class of 2002
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