Main Line Boys' School Announces New Atheltic Director

Sept. 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Devon Preparatory School announced the appointment of 1994 Alumnus Mark A. Aquilante as Athletic Director.  Aquilante taught middle school history and physical education at Devon Prep since 1999. Most recently he served as the Assistant Director of the Middle School, the Assistant Athletic Director, and Head Coach of the Upper School Varsity Baseball Team.

Aquilante, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University, is excited by this new challenge to serve his alma mater.  "It is an honor to represent the school community in this capacity,” he said.  “I hope to continue to build on the program that Ed Townsley started many years ago, and I look forward to working with students, coaches, parents, alumni, and faculty members to engage them in the great tradition of TIDE athletics."

Throughout his years at Devon Prep Aquilante also served as Middle School Activities Coordinator, Middle School Basketball Coach and Upper School JV Baseball Coach.  As varsity baseball coach he led Devon Prep’s team to the PIAA Class AA District 1 championship last spring.  Aquilante also directed Devon Prep’s Summer Enrichment Program.  Prior to Devon Prep he coached TE Middle School basketball and Conestoga American Legion baseball.

According to Devon Prep Headmaster, Rev. James J. Shea, Sch.P., Aquilante is a great fit for the direction Devon Prep is heading with its athletic programs.  “Mark brings with him many years of valuable experience (player, coach, assistant athletic director) in the athletic world and will be an outstanding ambassador for our school as he guides our coaches and athletic teams to even greater success,” Rev. Shea said.

Aquilante will continue teaching, and serving as the Middle School Assistant Director, but his primary role will now be to continue the athletic facility improvements and program growth and participation that have occurred in recent years. He has spearheaded several recent improvements to Devon Prep’s athletic fields including the installation of an outfield fence and new dugouts.

“Devon’s athletic mission is one that I feel is more appropriate for high school level in that just about everybody is going to get a chance,” he explained.  “We have sports where, due to the number of students in the school, many are able to participate where they might not be able to at other schools.  Even if the athletic missions of schools might be different, that doesn’t mean that we can’t compete with everybody. The basketball record speaks for itself. “

“We want to have a program that enhances the students’ enjoyment of their high school experience, and gives as many students as we can a chance,” Aquilante continued.  “But then once we get those kids out there, we have coaches who develop them to the point where we can compete against anybody we play against.”

Devon Prep’s Upper School Athletic Program, which participates in the Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL), offers students the opportunity to participate in the following sports: soccer, golf, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, indoor track & field, cross country, track & field, and swimming. The Middle School Athletic Program participates in CYO basketball, baseball and soccer.

Devon Prep is a private, Catholic, college preparatory school for young men in grades six through 12 conducted by the Piarist Fathers and located on Philadelphia’s Main Line.  Devon Prep’s will hold its Fall Open House on Sunday, October 10 from 1 to 4 PM. For more information call 610-688-7337 or visit www.devonprep.com or facebook.com/devonprep.