Alfred “Sammy” Teufel

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 12, 2024
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INDUCTEE

Al Tuefel was one of those rare three-sport competitors who would contribute greatly to the success of Mount Carmel High School Athletics back in the late 40’s. That was the time when Bonesey Adams, Dave Ficca, Mike Bernot, and Len Wisnewski received most of the publicity. Al, the last of the Tuefel brothers to compete for Mount Carmel, made a name for himself in football, basketball, and track.

Sammy played for coach Joe Ambrose as a lineman and linebacker in 1946 and helped the Tornadoes to a fine 7-2-3 record. When Mike Terry took over in 1947, Al was a starter at center and at linebacker, complimented by coach Terry as “one of the best linebackers I ever coached.” Al helped the Tornadoes to a terrific 9-3 record in 1947 and would lead the defense to 7 shutouts and only 58 points given up. That Tornado Eleven opened up the season with a 6-0 win over Erie Academy. The victory was the only win in school history over Erie and was the farthest opponent ever on the Tornado schedule. Following the 1947 season, Sammy was named the “Outstanding Defensive Player” in the region.

Al also lettered twice for Coach Tufky Andrulevich’s basketball teams at Mount Carmel in 1947-48. He was an important cog on the 1947 team that would post a 19-4 record – at the time the most wins ever for a Mount Carmel basketball squad. Only 1980 (26), 1995 (21) and 1999 (20) teams had more wins.

Sammy excelled on the track for coach Jerry Breslin as a three-year letterman. All three teams were undefeated in dual meets, with the 1947 and 1948 teams capturing the District IV team championship. Sammy would win the 880-yard run and the mile run District IV Championships in 47 and 48. He was also a part of the mile relay team that competed at the prestigious Penn Relays.

Following graduation, Sammy enlisted in the Navy where he was a Navy Cook. His tour lasted four years and ended up at the Philadelphia Naval Yard where he met the love of his life Carol Ritchie. He and Carol had 5 children, Bruce, Jim, Ron, Terri, and Tom, all of whom were involved in athletics. Sam volunteered much of his time at the Essington Swim Club. He worked at Westinghouse in Essington for 39 years and also worked as a bus driver for the Interboro School District until retiring in 1989. Today, Sam spends his time cooking and spends summer in Sea Isle, New Jersey.