Petito to resign as Deptford girls' coach

Mark Petito, who has led Deptford to 132 victories and two division titles in eight-plus seasons as the girls' basketball coach, will step down Dec. 29.

Petito will become director of guidance at Deptford.

"It's bittersweet," Petito said Thursday. "I'm looking forward to my new position but at the same time, I've been coaching for 22 years. It's going to be hard going through the winter without coaching."

Pending approval by the school board, Deptford's new coach is expected to be Michael Mullen, a teacher in the school district.

Petito will coach Deptford in its final two games at a holiday tournament at Gloucester Catholic next week.

Petito has a record of 132-78 at Deptford. His 2008-09 team set a school record for victories with a 24-5 record and his 2009-2010 team went 21-6.

Each of those teams captured a share of the Tri-County Conference Royal Division title.