en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:38:13 GMT 15 By Nikki Bowser
Hoban is filled with interesting and unique characters.  One of those characters, Benny Pietrangelo, is looking to take over the school.  Not only does Benny teach Spanish I and Italian I-IV, but he is also a multi-sport coach.  Benny coached boys soccer for 16 years (1986-2001) and the 2009 season will be Benny’s fourth as girls soccer head coach.   After taking a brief hiatus, Benny is now back as the boys tennis coach, a title he had for fourteen years (1988-2001).  To offer some insight into Benny’s unique mind, I conducted an interview with this eccentric Italian, because no one can say it better than Benny. Q: What is your favorite class to teach? A: They are all favorites.  I don’t discriminate – I hate them all equally. Q: Who is your favorite student? A: I don’t have a favorite student.  If I did it wouldn’t be Paul Kramer, because he spent a whole practice fighting with his brothers.  It was Kramer vs. Kramer vs. Kramer.  They were cheating Paul. Q: Why don’t you wear ties? A: Wearing a tie is like bolting a door with a steamed carrot.  Of all the inventions “humans” have invented, ties are the worst.  They are useless.  A shirt covers you, what does a tie do?  Pointless.   Q: Why did you come to America? A: One day I got grounded.  So I decided to run away from home.  So I took a banana boat to Brooklyn. Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?  A: In college I won the Helen Keller Award.  I was an intramural basketball referee and obviously they thought I couldn’t see or hear. Q: When will Anthony Arnone be off crutches? A: Hopefully soon, so he and Joey Easton can fill in the potholes in Wadsworth. Q: What is your favorite restaurant?   A: I don’t want to name names, but there is this restaurant in Akron.  I love the salads because they are covered with processed cheese!  The pizza is great– it tastes like cardboard covered in ketchup. Q: What is your favorite book? A: 100 Years of Solitude.  I like solitude.  That’s why I never yell at my classes…sometimes I raise my voice. Q: Why are you coaching tennis this year? A: I used to be the coach a while ago.  I am now because Jay Hillery asked me to take over.  Jay’s pretty good. Q: Which is better: tennis or soccer? A: Obviously soccer!  I am better at it, that’s why.     ]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:34:31 GMT