After making a successful stop for four years at St. Peter’s College, Rob Stern decided that he wanted to go back to his football coaching roots.
So Stern packed up his belongings at Harvard on the Boulevard and shuffled his way up Montgomery Street, back to Hudson Catholic, where he served as the head football coach for two years – and now gets to add the title of athletic director to his resume as well.
"What we did at St. Peter’s was good," Stern said. "We were able to gain some respect. But now, we have to gain these kids’ respect. Sure, it helped that I was here before. I think these kids know how we did it here and at St. Peter’s. Anytime there’s change, there’s a transition period. The kids had a bond with Chip (Benway, the former coach and AD) and I’m sure Chip had a good relationship with them. It’s up to me to make sure that we can get through the transition."
Stern took his team to training camp in Port Jervis, N.Y. last week, and the Hawks returned home with a new sense of camaraderie and togetherness.
"I thought they all worked real hard," Stern said. "A lot of the things we were teaching them were new, so it’s going to take time to jell. I think we have a good group of kids who want to be challenged, and that’s all we know. I’ve been challenging people everywhere I’ve been."
Stern remembers taking over the program six years ago, when Stan Myles left and he was elevated to head coach. A year later, Stern took the Hawks to their first-ever NJSIAA Parochial Group IV state playoff berth.
Now, Stern inherits a team that went 3-7 last year – but it’s a squad with some talented performers and a ton of promise.
"We have kids who are still at the stage of learning how to win," Stern said. "They’re learning about what it takes to win, about winning when you’re not supposed to win. It’s a mind frame that you have to get into. I told our kids every week is another game and another opponent. The key is not getting too high or too low. If you believe you can compete every week, then that’s the first step. And there’s not a team on our schedule that we can’t compete against. It’s all about that mental approach first."
Stern has his kids believing that they can perform miracles right away.
"If we do what we can do, then we’ll finish the season in Oradell or Ramsey [meaning a state playoff appearance against either Bergen Catholic or Don Bosco Prep]," Stern said. "That’s the mentality and the attitude we have to take. If you don’t have that mentality, then you shouldn’t be coaching."
Stern was asked about the biggest difference going from coaching college to high school.
"Well, I’m missing about 60 bodies," Stern said. "But having 60 less kids translates to 60 less problems as well. I wish I had more kids out there. But the bottom line is blocking is blocking and tackling is tackling. However, the speed level is much different. Plus, I used to work with like seven receivers where there’s now maybe one or two on the team. You have kids who really need to be coached. That’s the fun part."
Stern said that he’s also happy to be back playing in the HCIAA – for the time being. Hudson Catholic plans to become an independent after this season.
"I love the rivalries in Hudson County," Stern said. "It wasn’t the same in college. The rivalries weren’t as intense. I also love that you have the state playoffs to shoot for. Two years ago at St. Peter’s, we had the best year in school’s history, going 10-1, and we got nothing for it. As crazy as that sounds, we got nothing out of it. But the state playoff is a prize to shoot for, and it’s the reason why we’re all out there."
Stern likes the makeup of his team, with talented people like quarterback Tom Bender and bookend twins Darren and Joe Salinardi returning.
"Tom Bender has a lot of potential and a lot of upside," Stern said. "He’s been the best we’ve had. I’m pushing him hard because I think he can be a special player. He has a lot of ability and he’s been fun to work with."
The Salinardi twins have both received their fair share of college football offers from places like South Carolina, Clemson, Rutgers, Indiana and Maryland. Joe Salinardi (6-3, 260) will play guard, while Darren (6-3, 280) will play tackle. Stern will move the twins around defensively in a variety of roles.
"They’re going to be great defensive players," Stern said. "They’re very fast off the ball."
Junior Jonathan Calderon (5-9, 160) will be a tailback, with senior Nick Matulic (5-9, 180) playing fullback. Junior Ron Cutler is a wide receiver/defensive back to watch.
"The hardest thing right now is that we’re changing our entire offense," Stern said. "When there’s change like that, it’s really hard. But I’m happy to be back at Hudson Catholic. I have my coaches with me (dedicated assistants like Lou Zampella and Enrique Pizzaro) and they’re basically doing all the work. I plan on enjoying this. It’s a different challenge for me, but I’m enjoying it."
The Hawks open the 2003 season Sept. 12 against Union Hill. – Jim Hague