H.S. Football Coach in Middle Twp., NJ, Retiring After 36 Years

Since 1989, Frank Riggitano has been a cornerstone of Middle Township High School athletics and after 36 years, he will now be retiring.

The Middle Township High School Athletics social media page announced on November 16th that Riggitano will be retiring after 22 years as head football coach along with his 12 years as the school's AD and six years as the High School Principal.

"Coach Riggs" led the high school to their first varsity football state playoff appearance in 1994 and despite Middle Township's small student population, led the Panthers football team to seven playoff appearances during his tenure as head coach.

One of the most ironic aspects of Riggitano's tenure is that he is a graduate of Middle Township's biggest rival: Lower Cape May Regional High School.

After playing football and baseball at Susquehanna University, Riggitano pursued a professional football career spending time with the NFL's Buffalo Bills in training camp along with a stint on the Chicago Fire of the USFL.

He returned to South Jersey in 1987 when he was hired as a teacher for Middle Township High School.

Recently, Riggitano was appointed part-time recreational director for Dennis Township.

Check Out Greater Atlantic City, NJ Area Athletes Who Played Games In NFL

Many people are not aware of the number of athletes from the Greater Atlantic City Region who have played in the National Football League. Football players who played at high schools in Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Ocean Counties have a strong representation in the NFL over the last few decades.

One of the most difficult accomplishments in sports is to make a Professional Sports Roster and earn the opportunity to play in a game at the highest level of the sport. Check out some of the great South Jersey Athletes who have played in games in the NFL:

Gallery Credit: Joshua Hennig/Townsquare Media