To the Editor:
After Sister Mary Rose taught me to read back in the 1940’s I religiously scoured the high school sports section in the newspaper. Some teams were very successful over the years, and the coaches became legends.
William “Bill” Broderick was the tennis coach at Bayonne High School for some 24 years. It is startling that he is the best-kept secret in the Bayonne coaching annals. By this I mean, mention Coviello (West New York), Ascolese (North Bergen), Novotny (Union City), or Hurley (Jersey City), and there is immediate recognition.
Is Bill their equal? This is a very brief summary: 21 boys County Championships, 69 match win streak, and an overall record of 732-169. These outstanding accomplishments led to 21 Coach-of-The-Year selections, Who’s Who Hall of Fame inductee for local, state, national organizations, and England’s Leading Educators of The World Award.
As an educator, he was selected Teacher of The Year on both the elementary and secondary school levels. The Jewish Community Center is most grateful for his efforts in their champion tennis and basketball programs. Also, for 10 years he initiated and coached girls tennis to 201-50 record and four County Championships.
To be direct, please name the tennis courts at BHS after Bill and replace that ignoble, innocuous “B-Bayonne Tennis” sign. Former players, let the BOE know too!
CHARLES NUZIALE