Flying high: Former players and friends recently honored John Hughes, a retired soccer coach for the GWHS Eagles.
Thirteen former players and friends recently honored John Hughes, retired soccer coach at George Washington High School, at Hathaway’s Restaurant and Lounge in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.
The celebration continued with dessert at Hughes’ home.
Hughes, a Kensington native, began his athletic career at Lighthouse Boys Club. He played soccer, baseball and basketball and also competed in diving, boxing and gymnastics.
At Northeast High School, he was a member of the soccer team that finished undefeated, untied and unscored upon in 1943 and ’44. He was a co-captain and member of the National Honor Society. In January 1945, he joined the U.S. Navy.
At Temple, he played three years on the soccer team and was a captain and two-time All-American. He graduated in 1949 with a degree in physical education. Hughes played 15 years for various teams in the American Professional Soccer League, winning two championships and being named MVP of the champion Philadelphia Americans in 1952. As a member of New York Hakoah, he played in the United States Open Cup final.
Hughes coached college and high school soccer for 48 years. He won three Public League championships in soccer and baseball at Washington.
In 13 years at Delran, he posted a 171–68–11 record. He won nine league championships and two co-state titles.
Hughes also coached Philadelphia Textile for three years.
Hughes is a member of the following Halls of Fame: Philadelphia Soccer, Temple University, New Jersey Soccer, Pennsylvania Sports, Northeast High and Delran High. ••
