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.