Rick Prete: Building a State Championship Culture at All Boys Roman Catholic High School

n the heart of Philadelphia, Roman Catholic High School has become a beacon of excellence in high school football. At the helm of this powerhouse is Head Coach Rick Prete, whose leadership has transformed the program into one of the most successful in the region. Under his guidance, Roman Catholic has cultivated a state championship culture, shaping young athletes both on and off the field. Coach Prete's commitment to building character, fostering academic success, and delivering top-notch football coaching has made Roman Catholic an ideal launchpad for future Division I football players.

A Proven Record of Success

Rick Prete’s coaching journey at Roman Catholic is a testament to his dedication and skill in shaping student-athletes. His tenure has been marked by consistent success, both in terms of on-field performance and the overall growth of the program.

• 2016: Coach Prete's first season saw immediate success, with a notable 9-2 record.

• 2017: Building on that momentum, the team reached even greater heights with a 10-1 finish.

• 2018: The team was a force to be reckoned with, securing a 12-0 record and clinching the state championship.

• 2019: With a 10-3 record, the team continued its strong performance under Prete’s leadership.

• 2020: A challenging season due to the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t slow Coach Prete down, as the team managed a 6-2 record.

• 2021: Roman Catholic bounced back with a 12-2 record and another state championship appearance, further solidifying Coach Prete’s legacy.

• 2022: The team finished the season with a strong 11-2 record and another impressive playoff run.

With a career record of 70-12, Coach Prete has built one of the most consistently dominant programs in the state, with his leadership having a lasting impact on the culture of Roman Catholic football.

The Roman Catholic Culture

When Coach Prete talks about his program, the emphasis is on building a winning culture. “We teach our players that success is about more than just winning games,” he says. “It’s about building discipline, resilience, and a commitment to excellence in everything they do — on the field and in the classroom.”

Roman Catholic’s status as an all-boys school offers its student-athletes a unique environment for growth. The atmosphere fosters camaraderie, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose, all of which are essential for success in football. The tight-knit community allows players to focus on their development in a structured, supportive environment.

“The culture we have here is special,” Coach Prete continues. “The boys support each other, and our coaching staff is dedicated to helping them grow as both athletes and young men. This is a place where they can thrive academically and athletically.”

In addition to his football expertise, Coach Prete stresses the importance of academic excellence. At Roman Catholic, athletes are encouraged to excel in the classroom, ensuring that they have the grades to back up their athletic achievements. “A top-notch education is something every student here gets at a great price,” Coach Prete explains. “We want our athletes to be successful on the field, but more importantly, we want them to be prepared for the future.”

Rick Prete’s Recruitment Strategy

Coach Prete’s approach to recruitment is one of diligence, focus, and building strong relationships. He believes that recruiting top athletes is about more than just finding talent — it’s about finding the right fit for Roman Catholic’s culture and mission.

“We’re looking for athletes who not only have the talent to succeed at the next level but who also embody the values we hold here at Roman Catholic,” says Prete. “Football is important, but the character of the player, their work ethic, and their ability to succeed in the classroom are equally, if not more, important.”

Prete and his coaching staff actively scout for players who demonstrate high potential, both on the field and in the classroom. They look for athletes who are committed to improving their skills and who possess the discipline necessary to thrive in a rigorous academic environment. In addition to his recruitment efforts, Coach Prete emphasizes the importance of building a strong pipeline of talent from local high schools and within the greater Philadelphia area.

“We focus on building relationships with families, local youth coaches, and high school programs to ensure we’re identifying athletes who will thrive here,” Coach Prete adds. “We want players who are eager to succeed and who see the value in a well-rounded education and a championship-caliber football program.”

Producing D1 Athletes

Roman Catholic’s reputation as a breeding ground for Division I talent is a direct result of Coach Prete’s exceptional coaching staff and his ability to develop athletes who excel on the national stage. Many of the players who have donned the Roman Catholic uniform under Coach Prete’s watch have gone on to play at the highest level of college football.

Among the most notable athletes are:

• Marvin Harrison Jr. (Class of 2021): The standout wide receiver at Ohio State, Harrison has made waves in the college football world with his elite skills and football IQ.

• Kyle McCord (Class of 2021): Another top prospect, McCord, a quarterback, made his mark at Ohio State before transitioning to a successful collegiate career.

• Ethan Walker (Class of 2018): Walker is now a linebacker at the University of Nebraska, continuing the tradition of Roman Catholic players succeeding at the D1 level.

• Devin Leary (Class of 2018): Leary, a highly touted quarterback at NC State, is another testament to Coach Prete’s ability to develop elite talent.

These athletes are just a few examples of the many Roman Catholic football players who have gone on to achieve success in Division I programs, all thanks to the foundation built by Coach Prete and his coaching staff.

The Cost of Tuition and Investment in Education

While Roman Catholic offers a premier football program and top-tier coaching, the school also provides an outstanding education at an affordable price compared to other private schools in the area. The cost of tuition at Roman Catholic for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $14,000. While this price is competitive in the private school sector, the value it offers is unmatched, particularly when you consider the caliber of education and athletics.

Roman Catholic also offers a range of financial aid options, making it accessible to families who may need assistance with tuition. The investment in a Roman Catholic education is not just an investment in high school football but also an investment in a young man’s future. Coach Prete underscores this by saying, “We provide a foundation that sets our athletes up for success not just in football, but in life. The value here — both in academics and athletics — is second to none.”

A Future Full of Promise

As Coach Prete continues to build on his successful tenure at Roman Catholic, the future of the program looks bright. With a strong tradition of winning, a commitment to academic excellence, and a culture that promotes personal growth, Roman Catholic remains one of the top football programs in the region.

“We’re not just about producing athletes; we’re about producing young men who will succeed in life,” Coach Prete says. “When our players leave here, they’re ready for the next step, whether that’s Division I football or whatever path they choose.”

Under Rick Prete’s leadership, Roman Catholic High School has become a true launching pad for success, with a culture rooted in discipline, education, and, of course, football excellence. The future is bright for the Roman Catholic program, and with Coach Prete at the helm, it will continue to be a force in high school football for years to come.