Great teams consist of many factors – great players, loyal fans, dedicated sponsors, and intelligent managers / coaches who weave often diverse personalities into a unified team capable of winning championships. Pete Mungo’s efforts represent the pinnacle of success as he played and later managed St. Albert the Great’s 16″ softball team from 1960 to 1975, winning seven Knights of Columbus State Championships. He also managed the Knights of Columbus All Star Team to five victories; won five 11th Ward Championships, and was selected manager of the year five times. Pete Monaco was born in 1919 and attended Tilden Tech from 1933 – 1937 where he starred in football. His football knowledge proved valuable a few years later when he coached the McGuane Park 12 – 13 year old football team to the Chicago City Championship at Soldier Field in 1970. He also was coach of the championship Monaco Colts semi-pro football team. A list of athletes who have played for Pete Monaco reads like a Whose Who of 16″ softball fame. Willie Frencl, Joe Gucwa, Jake Jacobi, Champ Cerna, Willie Simpson, Al Cech, and Ed Zolna have all worn or donned a uniform for Pete Monaco. Besides winning onfield accolades, Pete Monaco has also served his community with his administrative efforts. He was president of the Southside Knights of Columbus for fifteen years and received recognition awards from the Chicago Park District, the Commission on Youth Welfare, and the South Chicago American Legion. Peter and his wife, Francis, live on the Southside of Chicago where he is enjoying his retirement from the Chicago Park District.
