In 2001 the Warren Athletic Hall of Fame Committee decided to create an award that would honor those people who played a “behind-the-scenes” role in Warren athletics.  It was decided to name the award in memory of Phyllis Abbruzzi, the brains behind her husband Pat’s coaching success.

Appropriately the award, which is only given periodically, was first given to Phyllis.  She never played second base or caught a flea-flicker or threw in a three-pointer or ran a relay race.  Neither did she sit on a bench or pace the sidelines, although she did her share of yelling at referees and umpires.  But she certainly played a major role in Warren athletics.

During Pat’s reign as Warren High School’s football guru and even after he retired, his football players (and students) knew that the Abbruzzi home was always open to them.  Not because he was there, because sometimes he wasn’t.  But because Phyllis was there, to offer an understanding thought, to give them something to eat, to listen to their problems – or, more importantly, their latest success; in other words, just to be there for them.

Each and every Thanksgiving was a special day, especially if the Redskins (or later the Mount Hope Huskies) won in the morning.  Current and former players would stream to Coomer Avenue to share turkey, laughs, and memories, often embellished, of past triumphs, both individual and team.  And again, despite the fact that Phyllis was the key to the day’s activities, she would be out-of-sight, cooking and cleaning, listening and smiling.

All of us can’t be the team star or even a team member.  However, we can help support the team and all of its integral parts.  Phyllis did and for that the Hall of Fame honored her.

Picture from Hall of Fame Archives