Basketball

Tom Heston '12 is named new Holy Ghost Prep basketball coach 

After an extensive search, Holy Ghost Prep realized that the best man for the job was already on campus and hired Tom Heston ’12 to be HGP’s next head varsity basketball coach.

For the past six years, Heston has taught chemistry at Ghost and has been a varsity assistant basketball coach at his alma mater under the legendary Tony Chapman. Heston played for Chapman at Holy Ghost Prep before becoming a four-year starter at Kings College.

After graduating from college, Heston was an assistant coach at Conwell-Egan for one season before returning to Ghost as a teacher and assistant coach under Chapman. Each season, Heston’s coaching responsibilities have increased—allowing him to be ready to take over for his mentor. In addition, Heston coached for five years in the East Coast Power AAU program.

 “Tony Chapman has been a great mentor and friend since I graduated high school,” says Heston. “He has taught me so much about basketball, relationships, and being a representative of HGP.  I am very excited about this new opportunity and applying what I have learned from him.”

Heston will replace Chapman, who finished his illustrious coaching career at Holy Ghost Prep with an impressive 928-351 record. While he is retired from coaching, Chapman will remain at the school in his role as Holy Ghost Prep’s dean of students, and he is confident that Heston is the right man for the job.

“I think Tom is a great choice to be the next coach,” says Chapman. “He has shown outstanding loyalty to the program—both as a player and a coach—and great loyalty to me personally over the years. He loves HGP and I feel will work extremely hard to give the players a great experience.”

Holy Ghost Prep president Gregory J. Geruson ’79 also believes that Heston is the perfect selection/

“Tom is the right man at the right time for the job. He is a student of the game,” says Geruson. “His work ethic and his commitment to the school and our Spiritan charism is incredible. He carries a quiet confidence that sets a great example for his athletes.”

Heston is excited to continue the tradition of excellence of HGP basketball, while putting his own stamp on the Firebirds program.

“Over the next couple of months, we will be introducing the next chapter of Holy Ghost Prep basketball that respects our traditions but puts us in a position to grow and thrive in the unique Philadelphia high school basketball landscape,” says Heston.

Holy Ghost Prep athletic director Craig Conlin is thankful for the work of the search committee and is extremely pleased with the choice of Heston to lead the basketball program.

“I want to thank our student-athletes, alumni, and community members whose perspective has helped to shape the committee’s vision for the future,” says Conlin. “I could not be more excited to announce Tom Heston as the new leader of our HGP basketball program. As a Holy Ghost Prep alum, Tom will use his experience and knowledge of basketball to teach our young men many life lessons. I am eager to support him with this transition.

“I have no doubt that Tom's commitment to the Seven Core Components of a Spiritan school, academic excellence and integrity, and his playing and coaching experience will create genuine and lasting relationships with students, alumni, and community members which make him an outstanding fit for Holy Ghost Prep.”

Head Coach - Tom Heston 

Assistant Varsity Coaches - Jack Crouse, Anthony Magallanes

JV Coach - Tim Butler

Assistant JV Coaches - Barry Bessler, Brian Reilly, Kevin Duggan

Freshman Coach - TBD