HOBOKEN – The frigid temperatures did little to damper the spirits of the Hoboken High School Redwings during a parade in Hoboken Wednesday, Jan. 13 to celebrate the football team’s 10th NJSIAA State Championship.
The team, which is the first high school team to clinch ten championships in Hudson County, beat the undefeated Brearley Bears of Kenilworth in December 34-12 at Kean University to take the crown.
The parade took off from the Elks at 10th Street and traveled down Washington Street complete with Board of Education members, the Superintendent Christine Johnson, Hoboken High School students, coaches, cheerleaders, and the marching band.
“Let me start by thanking Mayor [Dawn] Zimmer, Director [Leo] Pellegrini, as well as the City Council, and city workers for organizing and preparing a great parade. The team and I appreciate it very much. We’ve had some tremendous support this year,” said the team’s coach, Lou Taglieri.
Taglieri thanked the students’ parents and community for their support and said he considers the Redwings’ staff the “best in the state.”
The parade concluded at City Hall where the players received proclamations and Mayor Dawn Zimmer began her speech by shouting “Go Redwings!” which the crowd applauded to and cheered.
“A huge congratulations to the players, the coaches, all of you. 10th championship! Hoboken is making history. This is the first time in Hudson County this has ever happened,” said Mayor Zimmer. “Congratulations, you showed extreme dedication, commitment, I encourage you, all of you to think about how dedicated you were…and take this and transfer it to every single thing you do in your life.”
Coach Taglieri gave the game ball, which was signed by all the players and coaches, to Superintendent Christine Johnson who said she’s looking forward to an 11th championship victory in the future.
Be sure to pick up an issue of The Hoboken Reporter this weekend or visit hudsonreporter.com to see more photos from the parade.