the Pebble Spring 2017

“Passion + dedication + hard work = winning, in a soccer game or anything you attempt
to do in life.” — Barry Spevak, Class of 1978
“Never give up no matter what. At first this advice only related to winning on the soccer
field, but over time I realized that the same mindset is crucial for being successful in life.
Mr. Ridall understands better than anyone that sports mean miles more than what happens
[on] the field or court.” — Joey Cerio, Class of 2016
“Coach Ridall influenced me — and I use this approach to this day when assembling
teams for work assignments, or when I coach recreation league sports—to evaluate your
team and make the best of it and let the team know that everyone contributes. There are
no superstars.” —Luke McKenney, Class of 1980
“I came to MPH in ninth grade, so my first experience at the school was his soccer program.
Coach Ridall welcomed me, pushed me and gave me a sense of belonging. As the
years went on, our relationship matured and he consulted me as a captain and veteran.
He was even my Senior Thesis Project mentor when I helped coach [an elementary]
soccer team at MPH. Coach Ridall showed that he trusted my judgment, character and
abilities, and that is something I will always be thankful for.” —Tyler Greco, Class of 2012
“He had a big impact on my life, including teaching [me] how to win and lose graciously.
He truly cared for his players and wanted us to do well in school and life as well as on the
field. He supported us in becoming well-rounded young men and pushed us to give our
all.” —Dimitrios Telonis, Class of 2007
“On the field, he gave us guidance, but freedom to be ourselves. That’s what I loved about
him the most. He allowed us to play to our strengths on the field and to be ourselves off
the field. He was hard enough on us to [keep us] motivated, but nice enough that we
always had fun. When our teams came together, it was a beautiful thing. I have carried
over that lesson to my regular life. It is always extremely important to be yourself, because
otherwise, you will be unhappy.” —Willie Kniesner, Class of 2013
“He taught me at an early age to work hard, but to balance that hard work with a bit of
fun – or else what’s the point?” —Brian Perry, Class of 2002
“As an athlete on some of the less ‘visible’ teams at MPH, Mr. Ridall never failed to check
in with me about the team and my progress, sending me off with encouraging words for
the event, which made me feel truly supported and excited to compete. I was continually
impressed by his thoughtfulness and involvement in all of the sports teams at MPH, as
well as in various other groups and events at school.” —Lucy Zwigard, Class of 2014
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