‘Santilli Way’ unveiled in Crystal Falls

CRYSTAL FALLS – Bill Santilli coached the football team at Forest Park for 18 seasons. He coached his last game for the Trojans last November. The radio voice of the Trojans, Troy Margoni of WIKB 99.1 The Bull, wanted to do something in honor of Coach Santilli’s time at Forest Park.

Thanks to some help from the Crystal Falls City Council, Santilli Way was unveiled this afternoon. Janet Hendrickson, the mayor of Crystal Falls, along with Bill’s family, friends, and some of his former players, were all on hand for the surprise, which Coach Santilli knew nothing about.

“Wow, I had no idea this was happening,” said Santilli. “Either dead people or really great legendary people get streets named after them. I’m not dead yet, so I’m really surprised and overwhelmed by this. It hasn’t even sunk in yet to know what that’s going to mean.”

“I just knew that something had to be done to recognize for all that he’s done,” said Troy Margoni, who spearheaded the street now known as Santilli Way. As soon as I went to the mayor, she was on board right away with re–naming a street after him. Bill has been such an influence to this whole community and has made a difference in so many young people’s lives. There’s not enough appreciation that can go out for him.”

Santilli Way replaces 8th Street in the city of Crystal Falls.