Vincent Gaudenzi

Vincent Gaudenzi was an outstanding athlete from Saint Mary’s High School. From 1947 to 1949, he demonstrated great ability and leadership playing football, baseball and track. Football, however, was his favorite sport. Not only did he have great power running ability as a fullback, but also he had tremendous endurance. When St. Mary’s began competing in football, it was an uphill battle. Forming a challenging team, in such a small school was difficult. The entire enrollment of the high school was just over two hundred students. Most of them were girls. This meant the ball players had to be the iron men and in most cases played offense, defense and sometimes special teams.

Vince Gaudenzi had a real competitor’s heart and led by example. There was a steady progress of the “small but fast” football team. In 1947, their record was only one win, one tie and six losses. Not very impressive. In 1948, under the coaching of the legendary Al LoBalbo, their record rose to six wins, one tie and two losses. This record brought the Hilltoppers two State Titles, the Newark Diocesan Crown and Group B. Catholic State Championship.

St. Mary’s fullback, Vince Gaudenzi, became one of the top scorers in the state and broke all of the school’s scoring records. He averaged an enviable, better than four years a carry. It was well recorded in the news media that most of his successful runs were between tackle and guard.

The leadership and ability of Vince Gaudenzi brought the team in 1949, to nine wins, one tie and no losses. This undefeated season earned the team another North Jersey, Class B Championship. Vince was selected for the All-State team and received a scholarship to Temple University.

Sadly, Vince died in 2006. He will always be remembered by his friends and teammates as a very special person with great talent.

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