Jorge ‘George’ Severini Memorial Celebration was like a family reunion

Havertown >> The Jorge “George” Severini Memorial Celebration prior to the Lower Merion-Haverford High boys’ soccer game at AG Cornog Stadium Oct. 11 was like a family reunion, bringing out many people who remembered the beloved Ford soccer coach.
“The turnout of alumni and friends was amazing,” said Lower Merion boys’ soccer head coach Nico Severini, son of Jorge Severini. “The Severini family is extremely appreciative and honored for the support and thank everyone who came out to celebrate this event.. Thank you to coach Dave Cassanelli and Mr. and Mrs. Cassanelli and Haverford for organizing this.
“We are very happy to have our father be honored. The turnout and positive energy is a reflection of who my father was and how positive an impact he had on so many people, and what an impressive legacy he left behind.”

Jorge Severini coached Haverford High boys soccer from 1989 to 2010, posting a won-loss record of 222-115-57, including a Central League title in 1994 and 11 PIAA District One Class AAA playoff appearances. In 2011, he joined his son Nico at Lower Merion High School as an assistant coach, where he helped guide the Aces to a Central League championship in 2013.
To honor Severini and his contributions, Haverford High School dedicated a bench in Jorge’s honor in the southeast corner of AG Cornog Stadium. Cassanelli, who played for Jorge Severini at Haverford and was a Main Line Athlete of the Year in his senior year, gave a brief talk at the Oct. 11 ceremony.
“George was one of, if not the best, coach and leader I’ve been around,” said Cassanelli. “And it wasn’t about soccer tactics. It was about committing to your teammates and working harder than any other team around, so when the time came, you could dig deep and find that little extra within yourself. He prepared us to be mentally tougher than our opponents.
“As hard as he worked us, we knew he cared about us and would fight for us. The whole mentality he instilled within me and all of his players, carried me through challenges in college soccer, academics, and my professional life and I am grateful to have played for him at Haverford High.”
Another attendee was Jason Polykoff, who coached basketball at Friends’ Central and played for Jorge Severini with the Overbrook Strikers (Nico was a teammate).
“George was my first ever ‘real’ coach — even though we were young, he taught us about discipline, effort, communication, and all the things that matter to any successful team or organization,” said Polykoff. “But, above all else, he was a great person who my family and I stayed in contact with long after he was done coaching me. I am not alone when I say that he is missed.”
Other attendees included Lower Merion girls’ soccer coach Kevin Ries, a long-time friend of Nico, and the family of Nico Severini.
“All of my family was very happy and thrilled for the ceremony and dedication,” said Nico. “A lot of my father’s success has come from the dedication and commitment of my mom, Maria Severini, who was always behind the stage but was always there through thick and thin, video recording games, hosting team barbecues, and being there for every home and away game. This ceremony means most to her and she will cherish this forever.”
Asked what his father meant to him, Nico responded, “My father taught me everything I know about playing and coaching soccer as well as life. He instilled in me hard work, dedication, confidence while staying humble and learning something new every day. I miss him and I especially miss coaching with him when he was my assistant at Lower Merion for several years. You never will have anyone in your corner as much as a father, as I know he always wanted the best for me.
“I know that my coaching and teaching style have been heavily influenced by my father. The funny stories and jokes we shared, the agony and ecstasy of the games we coached, sharing a common love for the game, and language and culture we shared are all immeasurable and I will remember and cherish them forever.”
Four days after the ceremony, Nico Severini reached another milestone, earning his 200th career victory as Lower Merion boys’ soccer coach as the Aces defeated Kennett, 4-0.