Legendary Toms River North girls basketball head coach Ray Cervino passes away
A Shore Conference legend has passed away.
Ray Cervino – the former head coach of the Toms River North High School girls basketball team – died Friday. He was 78.
Cervino’s daughter, Vicki, confirmed the news with the Asbury Park Press.
In 20 seasons at the helm of the girls hoops program, Cervino compiled a 313-212 record. He won nine A South titles, three sectional championships and the only state title in program history with the Group 4 crown in 2000.
During the 2000 season, Cervino led the Mariners to a 29-3 record and to the Tournament of Champions final, becoming the only Ocean County coach to ever lead a team to the title game. They eventually fell to Red Bank Catholic.
Hired before the 1971 season, Cervino retired from coaching at the end of the 2001 season.
Cervino was inducted into the Toms River Regional School District Hall of Fame alongside his daughter, Nicole, who became the program’s all-time leading scorer in 1990. He was also a longtime history teacher at Toms River North.
He was also known for his unique one-liners and quips which many players and students heard over the years. His most famous catchphrase was, 'geez oh man.'
Kim Peto was the star junior point guard on the 2000 state championship team. She remembers him as a tough coach but one that truly cared about his players.
“He was incredibly hard on us as players because he expected and knew our potential,” Peto said. “But he loved us off the court equally as hard. He cared about us.”
Peto’s relationship with Cervino dates back well before her high school career. Their families have long been friendly and when going through old photos over the weekend, Peto – the former head coach at crosstown rival Toms River South – found one of Cervino with her at her first birthday party.
“He was one of a kind,” Peto said. “He made you want to be better. You wanted to go out on that court and play for him. You wanted to win for him.”
Cervino’s wake will take place Friday, Oct. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at O’Brien’s Funeral Home in Brick. His funeral mass is schedule for Saturday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Point Pleasant Beach.
Danny LoGiudice has covered local sports across New Jersey since 2014. Contact him at dlogiudice@gannettnj.com or @danny_logiudice on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Ray Cervino, Toms River North former girls basketball coach, has died
