Introducing the 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

JOSEPH RAMPOLLA ‘78

Graduating from Southern Class of 1978, Joe Rampolla had 7 Varsity Letters in his repertoire. All three
years at Southern Joe was on the Varsity Gymnastic Team competing in Floor Exercise, Horizontal Bar,
Vaulting and Parallel Bars under the guidance of Coach Mittman. His Senior year he was the Captain of
the team which finished the 1978 season with an impressive record of seven wins and only two losses.
At the Individual Championship Meet Joe took fifth place on the Parallel Bars.

Joe also was part of the Varsity Swim Team as a diver in his Junior and Senior years, participating in a
Championship Meet his Senior year. Varsity Track and Field had Joe on the Pole Vault his Junior year
and he was part of the Varsity Golf Team his Senior year.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Joe was involved in many other school activities. Under the
mentoring of Mr. Yates, Joe enjoyed Choir, played the lead character in the school’s production of Damn
Yankees, took part in the dance production of American Bandstand and participated in the talent shows
held over his time at Southern.

Joe has had a fulfilling career in Casino Gaming for 43 years starting out in Atlantic City moving to Las
Vegas where he is today. He has three children, Joseph, Maria and Christopher, and three beautiful
grandchildren, Vincenzo, Natalia and Joseph.

ANDREW VANORE Baseball Class of 1975

Andrew played Varsity Baseball for Southern all 3 high school years, 1973, 1974 and
1975. From Freshman to Senior year he was the  2nd basemen with a batting average
of 400 all 3years.

Freshman year the Baseball team went undefeated but lost in the city championship.
In Andy following years the team won two city championships.
Andrew believes if you practice hard the results will always show up at game time.
Andrew was also a member of the Varsity Football and Ice Hockey teams during his 3
years at Southern.

In the 1980’s Andrew moved to Florida to work at a family restaurant business which he
developed a passion for and became a manager of the restaurant operation.
Andrew still lives in Florida and is a big fan of the wonderful weather and Philadelphia
sports teams.

He is not shy about telling others that he is a proud South Philadelphian who has not
forgotten the South Philly values he learned growing up on South 8 street.
Andy has a 15 year old son named Dominic who travels often with him to visit family
and friends in the Philadelphia area.

He has educated his son on Philly traditions like the best place to get a cheesesteak,
the Italian Market and of course running the steps of the Art Museum just as Rocky did.

Faye graduated South Philadelphia High School in 1977. Faye was an outfielder for the Southern Girls SoftBall Team. In 1976 the team won 62% of its games with an appearance in Playoffs. In 1977 the team has a similar performance with improving the winning percentage to 71% and again elevating to playoffs. aye was known for her tenacity at the plate and being recognized as a long ball hitter. Her hitting ability was one of the reasons for the teams outstanding winning percentage in 1976 and 1977.

In addition to playing softball Faye also player Volleyball for South Philadelphia High under the coaching of Ms Way. Faye was active in volleyball and softball all through her years at Southern.

Additionally Faye spent 18 years with the Philadelphia School Board as a teacher involved in summer programs for students. Faye also worked 30 years at WAWA Food Markets and an assistant manager and the reaching the level of store manager.

Faye is retired now but still is very active with youth baseball where she has coached her team to 3 city championships.

Faye continues to give back to the city she grew up in by staying involve in community activities for young people that helps the develop to be positive and productive members of their neighborhood.