ALJ Crusader Football Team Banquet
Submitted by Gus Kalikas
The Arthur L. Johnson Crusader Football Team held their annual post-season awards banquet on March 3, 2024. Head Football Coach Anthony DelConte presided over the event as all athletes were honored for their contributions to Crusader Football. In addition, numerous scholarships were awarded to deserving student athletes throughout the evening. It was a wonderful evening to celebrate both past and present Crusaders and continues to keep the tradition of Crusader Football alive and well.
Below is a recap of the scholarships awarded throughout the evening:
The Collegiate Athlete of the Year
The Collegiate Athlete of the Year honors a former Crusader that has gone on to succeed both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. The 2023-2024 recipient was Nicholas Fischetti, who played collegiate football and lacrosse collegiately.
Clark Youth Football Scholarship
Clark Youth Football annually presents the Clark Youth Football Scholarship to a Senior Football player who played youth football in Clark and then at Arthur L. Johnson High School. The Award includes a scholarship and plaque. This year’s 2023-2024 Clark Youth Football Scholarship recipient is Sebastian Perez.
Century 21 JRS Academic Achievement Award
The Sanguliano family annually present the Century 21 JRS Academic Achievement Award to our Senior Football player with the highest Grade Point average. The Award includes a scholarship and plaque. This year’s 2023-2024 Academic Achievement Award winner is Mark Hansen.
The Henry A. Varriano Memorial Award
Henry R. Varriano presents this award to a senior player who displays determination and a never give up attitude. The recipient of this award always puts Team Above Self — Sacrificed Individuality for the Team — Pushed himself to achieve greater heights — Overcame Adversity — and displayed perseverance. The Varriano Award is for a scholarship and plaque. The 2023-2024 Varriano Award winners were Aaron Tapia and Vittorio DeMartinis.
The Thomas Santaguida “Saint of the Year” Award
The loss of Thomas Santaguida devastated all of us. We lost a man we all loved and admired. When Mr. Santaguida came to Johnson in 1993, he had to replace one of the most respected and loved men in ALJ history in Lou Paragallo. He won everyone over with his dignity, his professionalism, his confidence, and most of all, his sense of sportsmanship and fair play. He was a mentor to us all and we became stronger from the experience. As a high school player at Plainfield Mr. Santaguida played football and basketball. His coaches and teammates say his fiery stile and zest for competition stood out even then. Those are the qualities that are celebrated in naming the 2023-2024 Johnson Football “Saint of the Year”. The 2023-2024 “Saint of the Year” is … Brandon Brown.
The Dennis Carpini Memorial Scholarship
The Dennis Carpini Memorial Scholarship recipient receives a scholarship & plaque. It is presented to the senior football player who, like Dennis, overcame odds and had a true love of Crusader Football. The athlete must be a heart and soul competitor, a unifier, and a positive role model. The 2023-2024 Dennis Carpini Memorial Scholarship goes to … Sean Joy.
The Coach Seymore “Red” Kelin Most Improved Player Scholarship
The Most Improved Player Scholarship recipient receives a scholarship & plaque. It is presented to the senior football player who through dedication, hard work, and perseverance has shown a tremendous improvement in the sport of football throughout their high school career. The 2023-2024 Most Improved Player Scholarship goes to … Sean Asgaralli and Stephen Ciccotelli.
The Don LaPenna III Memorial Leadership Scholarship
The Don LaPenna Leadership Memorial Scholarship recipient receives a scholarship & plaque. It is presented to the senior football player who, like Don, overcame odds and had a true love of Crusader Football. The athlete must be a great role model who displays excellent leadership qualities and was dedicated to his team. The 2023-2024 Don LaPenna Leadership Memorial Scholarship goes to … Mark Hansen.
The William Waterson Memorial Scholarship
Officer Waterson made the ultimate sacrifice…he gave his life in the line of duty. He was brave, honest, and devoted to the job. Mr. Tom Maye, owner of Station Cab, presents this award to be displayed in our main trophy case and a scholarship to the senior who most exemplifies the character traits of Officer Waterson. This award speaks to sacrifice and commitment. The recipient set a new standard of leadership and character in our school and community. He has the innate ability to impact all students in our school. He is well liked, and respected, by his peers. The 2023-2024 William Waterson Memorial Scholarship goes to … Emilio Menicucci.
