Farewell to a Legend

It was time, and everyone, including legendary football coach Jim Algeo, knew it was time.

The problem for a brief spell Monday night at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School came with accepting that it was time.

After 53 years as a high school coach, 44 spent at Lansdale Catholic, Algeo coached his final game last night.

That the Crusaders fell to defending PIAA Class AA state champion West Catholic, 40-8, didn’t really matter. That Algeo was honored by a large contingent of former players, his wealth of family and friends, some of whom came a great distance, did. The postgame ceremony, somewhat understated like the man himself, was at the eye of the moment.

All Algeo could do was smile, give a humble thanks for the nice crowd that gathered on the chilly Monday night, and immediately remind the junior varsity players to be ready to play the next day.

It was typical Algeo — always a coach. Always thinking like a coach. But this time next year, the area high school sidelines will be minus a legend, and more importantly, a very special man.

As a tribute to Algeo was being read, his sons Jim Jr., a Pottsgrove assistant coach; Dan, Cardinal O’Hara’s head coach; and his youngest of nine, John, who coached and played for his dad, all looked on misty eyed, fighting back the powerful emotion of the moment. 

“It is tough, seeing this, seeing my father’s last game, but he’s one of a kind, a very special coach and man who you won’t see anyone like him around again,” Dan said. “It’s over, after all of this time, and it’s still hard to believe. It’s bittersweet, but my dad seems at peace with his decision. I hope he still wants to break down film.” 

Jim Jr. used to tease his father about the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady. That was his father. 

“After 44 years, my father seems relieved,” Jim Jr. said. “I think physically my father still thinks he can get down in a stance and knock someone down. He’s so consistent with all the things that he does. But to do it 44 years, it’s hard to imagine.”  

Jim Algeo Sr. thought about making this move last year, but when he noticed his players working out in the weight room, he decided to come back for this young team. 

“It’s a young team and I thought I owed it to them to come back one more year. The fire was still there, but I am 75, and physically, it was taking its toll,” said Jim, who captured the PIAA Class AA state championship in 2004 and as revered at the high school level locally as Joe Paterno in college football circles.

“Physically, it just got too great. My bones hurt. This decision may hit me sometime in the summer, when camp begins again. But I just felt it was time. I have nine children, 18 grandchildren and two great children. Many of my grandchildren play football and basketball. I’ll be going to their games. I'll keep busy.”