Camden Catholic Brings Scuderi Back as Football Coach

A former coach is back in the fold at Camden Catholic.

Dennis Scuderi Sr., who was the top man in the football program from 1998 to 2004, was rehired as head football coach, school officials announced Friday.

His proven track record and previous experience made Scuderi an easy choice, school officials said. Besides his first stint as head coach of the Irish, Scuderi spent six seasons as head coach of St. Augustine Prep in Richland and served alongside his son, Dennis Scurderi Jr., as Absegami’s defensive coordinator last year.

“I am thrilled to be back at Camden Catholic,” Scuderi said in a statement. “I had a wonderful experience working with the players, the faculty and staff, school administration and alumni the first time around. Camden Catholic is one of the most prestigious schools in South Jersey and my heart has remained there ever since I left in 2004.

“It is an honor for me to be back here and to help the school and the program continue to flourish. I look forward to meeting and working with the team as soon as possible.”

The Irish went 53-21 under Scuderi in his seven years, including six playoff appearances and one trip to the Non-Public Group 3 championship game.

“We had a number of qualified candidates who showed great interest in taking over the helm of the Irish football program,” said Marlene Grimes, Camden Catholic’s athletic director. “The search committee and school administration undoubtedly felt that Dennis was the right person for the job. He has a strong sense of our values as a Catholic high school, and knows what it takes to nurture our student-athletes’ talents on and off the field, as well as the dedication it takes to win championships.”

Scuderi takes over from Gil Brooks, who put in his resignation after the fall season. Brooks led the Irish to a 10-1 finish in 2011 and a 7-4 mark, including a run into the playoff semifinals, in 2012.