Dennis Seddon's 22-Year Coaching Career at Roman Catholic High (1987-2008)
Dennis Seddon coached basketball at Roman Catholic for 22 seasons (1987-2008), winning 516 games and 10 Catholic League championships. His .801 career winning percentage (516-128) places him among the elite coaches in Philadelphia basketball history.
Six Consecutive Championships (1989-1994)
The crown jewel of Seddon's tenure was a remarkable run of six consecutive Catholic League championships from 1989 through 1994. The first one came during the 1988-89 season, and the dynasty rolled on for half a decade.
In one title game, a player set a championship-game record. Seddon's three-year record at one point stood at 66-18, and in his first five seasons he produced a 117-23 record with two titles.
"Coach Seddon was mad," one player recalled of a halftime talk. "He said, 'Let's go out and show them what we can do.'"
Building on the Roman Tradition
Like his predecessor Speedy Morris, who compiled a 347-82 record from his years at Roman, Seddon continued the tradition of excellence. As he once reflected: "Last year, somebody put the article where I was chosen Coach of the Year on the bulletin board. That motivated the kids to go win another championship."
Record and Legacy
Seddon went 516-128 for an .801 career winning percentage. He stands alone in Catholic League championships with 10. His playoff winning percentage (.784, a record of 40-11) is remarkably close to his overall mark. He ranks alongside Speedy Morris (557-137, .803 in 23 seasons at Roman, Penn Charter, and St. Joseph's Prep) as one of the greatest basketball coaches in Catholic League history.