Hoban is filled with interesting and unique characters.  One of those characters, Benny Pietrangelo, is looking to take over the school.  Not only does Benny teach Spanish I and Italian I-IV, but he is also a multi-sport coach.  Benny coached boys soccer for 16 years (1986-2001) and the 2009 season will be Benny’s fourth as girls soccer head coach.  

After taking a brief hiatus, Benny is now back as the boys tennis coach, a title he had for fourteen years (1988-2001).  To offer some insight into Benny’s unique mind, I conducted an interview with this eccentric Italian, because no one can say it better than Benny.

Q: What is your favorite class to teach?

A: They are all favorites.  I don’t discriminate – I hate them all equally.

Q: Who is your favorite student?

A: I don’t have a favorite student.  If I did it wouldn’t be Paul Kramer, because he spent a whole practice fighting with his brothers.  It was Kramer vs. Kramer vs. Kramer.  They were cheating Paul.

Q: Why don’t you wear ties?

A: Wearing a tie is like bolting a door with a steamed carrot.  Of all the inventions “humans” have invented, ties are the worst.  They are useless.  A shirt covers you, what does a tie do?  Pointless.  

Q: Why did you come to America?

A: One day I got grounded.  So I decided to run away from home.  So I took a banana boat to Brooklyn.

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment? 

A: In college I won the Helen Keller Award.  I was an intramural basketball referee and obviously they thought I couldn’t see or hear.

Q: When will Anthony Arnone be off crutches?

A: Hopefully soon, so he and Joey Easton can fill in the potholes in Wadsworth.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant? 

A: I don’t want to name names, but there is this restaurant in Akron.  I love the salads because they are covered with processed cheese!  The pizza is great– it tastes like cardboard covered in ketchup.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: 100 Years of Solitude.  I like solitude.  That’s why I never yell at my classes…sometimes I raise my voice.

Q: Why are you coaching tennis this year?

A: I used to be the coach a while ago.  I am now because Jay Hillery asked me to take over.  Jay’s pretty good.

Q: Which is better: tennis or soccer?

A: Obviously soccer!  I am better at it, that’s why.