Camden Catholic High School has officially announced John Martino as the new head coach of its football program, marking an exciting chapter for the team and Martino himself. After dedicating decades to football as a highly respected assistant coach, John Martino is stepping into the top role, bringing a wealth of experience and a renewed passion for the game.
Martino’s journey back to the head coaching ambition was sparked during his involvement with a Medford youth football program last year. This experience reignited his desire to lead a program, and Camden Catholic emerged as the perfect fit. “Coaching those little guys, I felt rejuvenated, I really did,” Martino stated. Approaching his 60th birthday, his enthusiasm is palpable: “I feel like I’ve got another 10 years in me and I wanted to see if I can run my own program. There’s no better spot than Camden Catholic. It’s my dream job. It’s a perfect fit.”
Martino succeeds Wayne Gilliam II, who recently resigned after two seasons. Gilliam’s tenure saw the Irish achieve a 12-9 record, including a successful 9-2 season last fall with a WJFL Patriot Division title and a playoff appearance. While Gilliam set a solid foundation, Camden Catholic has seen a number of coaching changes in recent years. Martino’s appointment is anticipated to bring stability and long-term vision to the program.
Tim McAneney, a long-time colleague and friend of John Martino, believes this hire is a significant win for Camden Catholic. “It’s a home run for Camden Catholic,” McAneney commented. “He’s won everywhere he’s been and he’s been revered everywhere, too. The kids are going to love him. He gets the big picture. Winning is important but making better people is even more important to him.” This sentiment is echoed by the Camden Catholic athletic department, which released a statement highlighting Martino’s comprehensive approach: “Coach Martino brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to the Camden Catholic football program. Both as an educator and a state championship-winning coach, he has positively impacted countless student-athletes throughout his career. His commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field aligns perfectly with the values of Camden Catholic.”
John Martino’s coaching pedigree is deeply rooted in South Jersey football. A graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School and Ursinus College, where he studied mathematics, Martino began his coaching career at Monsignor Bonner in Delaware County. His move to South Jersey was facilitated by Vince McAneney, Tim’s father and a legendary figure in local football coaching, who helped Martino secure a teaching position at Pennsauken High School. This marked the start of Martino’s impactful presence in the region.
For over 25 years, John Martino has been a sought-after assistant coach at several prominent high schools, including Pennsauken, Bishop Eustace, Holy Cross, and Lenape. His career is punctuated by significant team successes, including two Non-Public state championships at Holy Cross and titles at Pennsauken and Lenape, the latter achieved in 2017 while working alongside Tim McAneney. Most recently, Martino served as the offensive coordinator at Lenape under head coach Joe Wojceichowski until their joint departure after the 2023 season.
Joe Wojceichowski speaks highly of John Martino’s coaching abilities and personal qualities. “John Martino was always the second head coach on staff,” Wojceichowski emphasized. “He is an incredible human being who makes deep connections with his players. John loves and cares about all of his athletes and their families. He has an outstanding mind for football, tirelessly dedicates himself to the game, and will impact so many young men.” These testimonials underscore the respect and admiration Martino has garnered throughout his career.
While John Martino had previously considered head coaching positions, including a couple in South Jersey, he was content in his role as a coordinator. “I enjoyed being a coordinator, I just called plays and got screamed at every other series,” Martino joked, acknowledging the different pressures faced by head coaches. However, the experience with youth football and the timing of the Camden Catholic opportunity aligned perfectly with his renewed aspirations.
Adding another layer of connection, John Martino is deeply familiar with the Camden Catholic community through his family. All three of his daughters – Julia, Elana, and Sophia – are graduates of the school, further cementing his commitment to the institution.
Tim McAneney credits John Martino with significantly influencing his coaching philosophy and strategies. “I was an old-school coach, pound the football, I was my dad’s son,” McAneney explained. “He expanded my horizons and allows our teams to take it to the next level.” Martino, in turn, playfully describes McAneney as the “King of Culture” and the “King of Inspiration,” while recognizing his own contribution to offensive innovation. “[McAneney] builds a great house, a very sturdy house, but nobody is going to buy it if it doesn’t look pretty, too,” Martino quipped, highlighting their collaborative dynamic and Martino’s offensive expertise. “We opened (the offense) up a little bit and started the throw the ball around a little bit more.”
Looking ahead, John Martino is actively assembling his coaching staff and recognizes delegation as a key aspect of his new role. “I’m an A-type personality, but I’ve got to be able to let some of that go to my assistants. The roles are reversed now,” Martino concluded. As John Martino steps into his dream job at Camden Catholic, his extensive experience, passion for developing young athletes, and strategic football mind promise a bright future for the Irish football program.
