Director: John DePalma

 

  John DePalma began his football playing career at the age of 8 years for Fair Lawn Football Association.  He played at Fair Lawn High School for legendary coach Pete Natale from 1983-1986 where he was a three year starter and an All-League performer for the Cutters.  His career High School record was 33-5 and he played in the famous “Game of the Century” in Passaic County against Passaic High School in the NJSIAA playoffs.  After graduation he went on to play football at Ramapo College, where he earned his bachelors degree, and was a three-year starter at linebacker for coach Jim Miceli. He was an All-NJAC selection in 1990.  Ramapo had a record of 27-7 during those three seasons and won the ECAC South Bowl championship. 

 

 His coaching career began in 1992 as he was an assistant coach for Paramus Catholic High School.  That team featured many All-League, All-County and All-State performers as they reached the state finals against Bergen Catholic.  That game was voted as the “Game of the Century” by the Star Ledger in Bergen County giving him the unique distinction of being involved in the games of the century in Bergen and Passaic counties.  The next year he was promoted to Defensive Coordinator at Paramus Catholic, making him the youngest coordinator in the NNJIL.  From 1994-1996 he became the Defensive Coordinator for his alma mater Fair Lawn HS. During those three years FLHS enjoyed an 18-9 record, the best three year run from 1986 to the present.  In 1997, he was offered his first Head Coaching position at Elmwood Park High School, a team that had not won a game in the previous two years.  He guided them to 12 wins in his tenure, the most wins over that stretch in 25 years.  In 2001, he was given the opportunity to revitalize another struggling program at Rutherford High School.  Rutherford was coming off 2 consecutive 1 win seasons when he took over.  In his 4 years he led the Bulldogs to a 28-15 record, a league championship and 3 consecutive state playoff appearances including a state final.  He coached many All-League, All-County and All-State players, some who went to be very successful in the collegiate ranks.  He has received many accolades in his career.  1997 North Jersey Media Group Coach of the Year, 2002 and 2003 Bergen County Scholastic League Coach of the Year,  2003 Bergen County Coach of the Year and 2004 National Football Foundation Coach of the Year.  After 13 years coaching High School Football he decided to spend more time with his family and currently coaches the 7^th and 8^th grade football team for the Wayne Boys and Girls Club who won the 2007 and 2009 NJJFL Super Bowl. 

 

 He also lives in Wayne with his wife, and three sons.

 

  STAFF

John DePalma                     Director                                                     

Frank Morano              Head Football Coach, Rutherford High School

                                                                                         Special Education Teacher

                                                     Roger Kotlarz               Head Football Coach, Becton Regional High School

                                                                                         Former Defensive Back, University of Massachusetts Special Education Teacher

                                                     Don Sellari                    Head Speed & Agility Trainer, Sports University, Fairfield

                                                                                        Assistant Football Coach, Nutley High School

                                                     Sean Ryan                    Assistant Football Coach, Rutherford High School

                                                                                         Former William Paterson University Quarterback

                                                                                        First Team All-State Quarterback at Rutherford High School

                                                     Steve Dunn                   Assistant Football Coach, Rutherford High School

                                                                                         Former Offensive Lineman, Kings College

                                                                                         Math Teacher, Rutherford High School

                                                     Andy Howell                Assistant Football Coach, Rutherford High School

                                                                                         Former Defensive Back, William Paterson University

                                                                                         Physical Education Teacher, Rutherford High School

                                                     Anthony Campanile      Assistant Football Coach, Don Bosco High School

                                                                                         Former Linebacker, Rutgers University

                                                                                         Physical Education Teacher, Don Bosco High School

                                                     Vito Campanile             Former Head Football Coach, Westwood, Bergen Tech High School

                                                                                         Former Quarterback, University of Massachusetts

 

  

Ø      Our staff is comprised of many other outstanding high school and junior level coaches in addition to numerous talented college athletes.

             Ø      Our camper to coach ratio is less than 10 to 1

 
                                                                         
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 will be joining us this year.  The trainers will educate, motivate, and inspire our young athletes, as well as teach running mechanics to improve speed and agility.