Joe Rotondi would be the first to admit that he had to endure some growing pains a year ago, when he became the head football coach at Union Hill High School. After nearly 15 years as an assistant under Ed Stinson at Hoboken, Rotondi took over the Hillers a year ago and guided them to a 4-6 record.
"It was definitely a learning experience for me," Rotondi said. "The first year put everything in a different perspective. There are so many more things to worry about when you’re a head coach, more things to think about. I had to try to learn to spread out the responsibilities. When I was an assistant coach, things were a lot easier."
And assistant coaches don’t necessarily take losing to heart the way head coaches do.
"It proved to me that I still have that competitiveness," Rotondi said.
The Hillers begin the 2001 season this weekend against North Bergen, returning a host of letter winners from a year ago.
"We have a lot of kids that are already battle tested," Rotondi said. "And a lot of them come back again next year."
Leading the way is senior quarterback Danny Garza (5-11, 175), who emerged as a solid field general a year ago.
"He was basically thrown into the fire last year and made his share of mistakes, like I did," Rotondi said. "But he’s shown a lot of poise this year so far and I think we’re going to be able to do more things this year. He’s a very good leader."
Senior running back Johnny Leonor (5-9, 190) has started for the Hillers in each of the last three seasons. The youngest of the talented Leonor brothers, who rushed for almost 500 yards last season, just might take Hudson County by storm this season.
"I think it’s his chance to step forward and shine," Rotondi said.
Senior Robert Pena (6-1, 215) was a starter at linebacker last season, but adds the role as starting fullback to his resume this season. Seniors Emil Delgado and Joe Loiaza will share the starting wingback slot in the Hillers’ Delaware Wing-T formation, an offense perfected over the years by Rotondi’s former mentor Stinson. Junior Rich Diaz (6-3, 210) provides a nice passing target for Garza.
The Hillers have a lot of size and experience along the offensive line. Senior Andrew Pallotto (6-0, 255) and junior Al Nunez (6-1, 240) are the starters at guard, with junior Edwin Londono (6-1, 230) at center. Senior Jose Madera (5-11, 260) and highly touted junior Pedro Sosa (6-5, 255) are the tackles. Sosa has all the makings of becoming a big-time college prospect.
Senior Carlos Ozorio (6-1, 220) starts at tight end, but it’s at defensive end where the talented Ozorio makes his biggest mark. He collected nearly 90 tackles last season at middle linebacker and defensive end, earning All-Area honors.
"We’re going to have him line up all over the field," Rotondi said. "We’re going to do things with Carlos that most teams do with their best players. And he’s clearly the best defensive player we have on the field."
The Hillers also have talent and experience at linebacker, where Pena and Leonor return from a year ago.
The starter at nose tackle is senior Angel Garcia (5-9, 230), who missed most of last season with an injury. Madera, Pallotto and seniors Robert Pinero (6-0, 240) and Francis De La Rosa (6-1, 245) will also see time along the defensive line.
Juniors Carlos Medina (5-7, 170) and Kiril Petrov (5-8, 170) will anchor the secondary at cornerback. Senior Donald Garza (Danny’s twin brother) and Diaz will start at safety.
Rotondi promises more consistency this season from the Hillers.
"I think we had a hard time passing the ball last year," Rotondi said. "I know we will be better at it this year. And I think we can do something if we stay healthy. If we have even two injuries, we will struggle. But I think we’re going to be in every game we play, because we have a group of tough kids. Once we play well and we’re competitive, I think we’ll be OK. Playing well will be the difference between winning and losing."
Count on the Hillers to have more of the former and lesser of the latter this season.