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HomeAuthorsBenjamin A McWilliams

Articles by Benjamin A McWilliams

Amateur Sports

South Philadelphia: Coach Finds Passion for Educating Through Basketball

December 22, 2016 Benjamin A McWilliams

Coach Troy Holiday took a circuitous route to rediscover his love for basketball. The New Jersey native was once himself a standout basketball player at Germantown Academy before attending Loyola University Maryland. After graduating, he

Amateur Sports

South Philadelphia: Athletics Crucial to Success of Southern

December 22, 2016 Benjamin A McWilliams

To find some of Philadelphia’s richest athletic history, one has to look no further than the halls of South Philadelphia High School. Trophy cases and plaques line the corridors, celebrating everyone from Eddie Gottlieb, one

Amateur Sports

South Philadelphia: Inclusive Rugby Team Strives to Defy Stereotypes while Staying Competitive

December 16, 2016 Benjamin A McWilliams

In the summer of 2003, Joe Cruz showed up to rugby practice for the newly-formed Philadelphia Gryphons. The University of Pennsylvania grad was one of seven people at practice. The Gryphons started as an idea,

Amateur Sports

South Philadelphia: Karate Instructor Builds Confidence Through Discipline

November 29, 2016 Benjamin A McWilliams

Jason Helmer’s passion for martial arts came from an unusual place. “I was in high school working and one of the mailmen in the neighborhood mentioned karate,” Helmer said. “I was a big Steven Seagal

Amateur Sports

Washington Square West: Pickleball Craze in Seger Park

November 28, 2016 Benjamin A McWilliams

It was a year-and-a-half ago that Andrew Freedman and his wife Nancy were watching the evening news when a story about “the world’s fastest growing sport” piqued their interest. It was not long before the Freedman’s,

Amateur Sports

South Philadelphia: Local Rec Centers Adjust to Election Day Schedule

November 8, 2016 Benjamin A McWilliams

Election day is huge for Philadelphia. With more than one million registered voters in the city, one of the crucial tasks for the City Commissioners office is finding locations for the polling places. Finding sites

Amateur Sports

South Philadelphia: Rec Leader Guides Former Recreation Center

October 20, 2016 Benjamin A McWilliams

Anthony Spadaccini spent countless hours as a kid at Barry Playground. Whether it was playing basketball, baseball or football, Barry was a second home for Spadaccini. That still holds true today, as Spadaccini, 46, is

Recent Posts

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    January 23, 2026
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  • The Light We Hold: Inside a Philly Community Gathering of Art and Grief
    December 27, 2025
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