Litwinko's Historic 'Exito' Memories Inspire Marple Newtown Hall Class

A Legacy of Excellence: Marple Newtown Athletics Hall of Fame Inductions

Marple Newtown has long been a hub for athletic excellence, and the recent induction of five standout athletes into the Marple Newtown Athletics Hall of Fame is a testament to that legacy. Among them is Kevin Litwinko, whose unforgettable high school basketball moment still resonates today.

Litwinko’s senior year in 1986 was marked by an underdog story that captured the imagination of fans and players alike. The Tigers finished the regular season with a 9-13 record, earning the 32nd and final seed in the District 1 Class 4A tournament. Their first-round matchup was against top-seeded Coatesville, a game that would become legendary.

“When we got there, the atmosphere was something like we’ve never seen before,” Litwinko recalled. “The whole place was packed. There were people dancing. We didn’t know what to think.” Despite falling behind early, the Tigers rallied and stunned Coatesville, much to the surprise of everyone involved. The coach, Brian McMahon, was so elated after the win that his hair was out to here, as Litwinko humorously described. The team left immediately, without showers, ready to celebrate their unexpected victory.

This dramatic upset led to one of the most memorable quotes from a coach. Gerry Quedenfeld, then a first-year coach at Coatesville, said to the media after the loss, “Early exito, eh fellas?” — a phrase that has since become part of local sports lore.

In addition to Litwinko, the Hall of Fame class included several other remarkable athletes. Mike Altschuler, a multi-sport standout from the Class of 1971, played football, baseball, and wrestling. He led the Tigers to their first winning season since 1967 and earned recognition as a three-year starter in baseball. Altschuler, now 72, expressed deep appreciation for the honor, noting how it brought his family together and gave him a renewed sense of pride.

Mike Maiocco, who graduated in 1996, was a four-year varsity starter in football and baseball. He was a two-time All-Delco selection and the 1996 Daily Times Player of the Year in baseball. His career stats remain among the best in Delaware County history, and he went on to play at Eckerd College in Florida.

Cameron Mathes, the youngest inductee at just 26, was a three-time All-Delco athlete in both baseball and football. As a senior, he helped the Tigers secure their first league title since 1977 and led the team to a PIAA final four berth. Mathes also played baseball at Villanova and currently pitches for Wayne, a Delco League powerhouse.

Dr. Randall Stutman, a 1975 graduate, made his mark in golf. Despite advice from a guidance counselor to pursue a hands-on career, Stutman chose to play golf instead. He compiled an impressive college record, qualified for the U.S. Amateur, and later became a successful management consultant and author. His book, “Cool Under Pressure: How the World’s Best Golfers Win the Game Within,” reflects his deep understanding of leadership and performance.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

The Hall of Fame ceremony also celebrated the achievements of past teams. The 1981 girls lacrosse team, led by JoAnn Yusko, was recognized for its historic 15-0 season, including a Central League and District 1 championship. Yusko, who had previously coached junior high teams, chose to field the youngest team in the state, and they delivered an unforgettable performance.

The 2018 baseball team, which remains the only Delco team to win a PIAA state title, was also honored. Former assistant coach Jim Ross, who took great pride in the team’s success, likened them to the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only undefeated NFL team in history. Every year, surviving members of the team send a message to head coach Mark Jordan, who now leads Radnor’s program, saying, “We’re still the only one.”

Marple Newtown superintendent Dr. Tina Kane received a special recognition award for her support of athletics. She has been a key figure in the district since 2019, having served in various leadership roles, including principal of the middle and high schools. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of community and the shared spirit that makes Marple Newtown unique.

These inductees and teams represent more than just athletic achievement; they embody the values of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. Their stories continue to inspire current and future generations of students and athletes in the Marple Newtown community.