Camden High Basketball Legend Victor Carstarphen Running for City Council in Ward 2
Thursday, March 28, 2019
(Camden, NJ) - Today Camden City Mayor Francisco “Frank” Moran, Camden City Democratic Committee Co-Chairs Council President Curtis Jenkins and Councilman Angel Fuentes, Camden County Sheriff Gilbert “Whip” Wilson, State Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, and Assemblyman William Spearman announced their enthusiastic endorsement of Camden High basketball legend Victor Carstarphen, 49, to run for City Council in Ward 2. Incumbent Councilman Brian K. Coleman will not seek re-election to the City Council but he also proudly endorsed Carstarphen and will remain an integral part of the organization.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to support Coach Vic Carstarphen for City Council,” said Camden Mayor Francisco “Frank” Moran. “As the head coach of the legendary Purple and Gold, Carstarphen has led an extraordinary basketball career both as a player and coach. Off the court, Coach Carstarphen has been a mentor to countless Camden youth, never forgetting his humble roots in Parkside.”
While in high school, Coach Carstarphen led the Camden High basketball team to four state finals, winning two back-to-back state championships as a player in 1986, ranked the number one team in the nation that year, and another state crown in 1987, scoring 2,136 career points as one of the best point guards Camden has ever seen. He is a 1988 graduate of Camden High, attended the University of Cincinnati for one season and played on two Final Eight teams at Temple University for Coach John Chaney -- later serving as his graduate assistant. In addition to his work as a coach, Carstarphen has been active with the Camden City Board of Education Foundation, supporting scholarship opportunities for kids and raising money for local schools.
“Councilman Coleman has been a good friend and supporter for many years,” said Mayor Moran. “Brian’s hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated and I know he’ll always be there for us as we move the City Invincible to new heights.”
“I’ve known Coach Carstarphen for over thirty years going back to our Camden High days. I’m confident he will serve our community with the same leadership and dedication he has shown throughout his distinguished career,” said 2nd Ward Councilman Brian K. Coleman.
Added Council President Curtis Jenkins, a co-chair of the Camden City Democratic Committee: “We still remember the great pride Vic instilled in our city when he led the Panthers to back-to-back state crowns. I look forward to serving with him as Camden undergoes this amazing renaissance.”
“Coach Carstarphen knows how to play offense better than just about anyone, so I look forward to having that same can-do spirit from him as our next City Councilman,” said Councilman Angel Fuentes, the other co-chair of the Camden City Democratic Committee.
GLOUCESTERCITYNEWS.NET | March 28, 2019