Phil Colicchio, a prominent figure in New Jersey high school basketball, achieved a significant milestone by securing his 600th career victory. This accomplishment took place on Saturday, when his team, the Elizabeth Minutemen, triumphed over Chester (PA) with a score of 66-50 during the Battle by the Bay tournament in Atlantic City. Colicchio now joins an elite group of only 26 boys’ coaches in state history to reach this noteworthy achievement.
This victory adds to Colicchio’s impressive resume, which includes eight state championships—six with Linden High School and two with Elizabeth High School. In just his eighth season coaching at Elizabeth, his alma mater, Colicchio has maintained an average of over 20 wins per season throughout his 30-year coaching career.
Recent Milestones in Union County Coaching
Colicchio’s 600th win is particularly notable, as he is the second coach from Union County to reach this milestone within a week. Veteran coach Art Cattano of New Providence also celebrated his 600th victory just days earlier, on March 5, with a 51-44 win against Rahway. This demonstrates the strength and talent present in Union County high school basketball.
Colicchio’s coaching style has proven effective, even in challenging circumstances. His teams have consistently focused on defensive discipline and energy, allowing them to secure unexpected wins despite facing limitations in size or scoring capabilities. When blessed with talented players, Colicchio’s teams have excelled, capturing multiple state championships along the way.
A Legacy Built on Triumphs
Colicchio’s journey to 600 wins began with his first Group 4 championship in the 1999-2000 season at Linden, where he guided the Tigers to victory against Bridgewater-Raritan. Over the following 17 years, Linden amassed five more championships. Colicchio returned to his roots at Elizabeth in December 2018, where he led the Minutemen to Group 4 titles in both 2022 and 2024.
The impressive 2024 squad, which finished the season with a record of 23-5, was spearheaded by senior London Carson and juniors Cameron McRae, Jordan Torres, and freshman guard Jayden Johnson, who is now a standout player for the 13-8 Minutemen.
Colicchio’s 600th win, while significant, follows two previous milestones marked by heightened drama. His 500th victory occurred on March 12, 2020, during the Group 4 semifinals against Paterson Kennedy at the Dunn Center in Elizabeth. This match was particularly memorable as it was the last game before schools and businesses closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic just three days later.
His 400th win took place on March 3, 2016, when Linden faced off against Asbury Park in the Group 4 final held in Toms River. That season, the Tigers advanced to the Tournament of Champions, where they ultimately fell to the powerhouse St. Anthony, finishing with a score of 55-38.
Phil Colicchio’s enduring legacy as a coach is not only reflected in his impressive win total but also in the impact he has had on his players and the communities he has served throughout his career. As he continues to build on this legacy, the future looks bright for both Colicchio and the Elizabeth Minutemen.
