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There were many accolades, trophies and varsity letters given Tuesday night to the members of Asbury Park High School sports teams.

Behind the journey to winning state championships and having record breaking stats were the realities of perseverance by not only overcoming losses and injuries but of those also who balanced work and night classes with their studies.

Take, for example, the soccer player who helped the team clinch the Central Jersey Group One State Championship, who couldn’t make the ceremony because he was attending a CNL course the district administers in partnership with the Monmouth County Vocational School Adult Education Division. He will graduate with a Certified Nursing Aide certificate and a six-month employment contract.

Then there is Joey Johnson Jr, the team’s goalkeeper whose collision with two other players just two minutes into the championship game left him with a concussion and a fractured jaw. Johnson is among the many district star athletes headed off to college in the fall. He will attend the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown.

“Thank you to all our supporters in the community, the board members – Barbara [Lesinski] and Aunt Connie [Breech], and to our administrators in our buildings” coach Jean Dortissant said. 

There was the football player who helped his team win the Central Jersey Group One State Championship, who was upstairs working at The Asbury, the city’s newest hotel and entertainment venue.

“I’m just so proud of these guys,” coach Tim Fosque said. “I tell the guys when they say ‘coach we want to be undefeated’, I say no we learned more in those four losses than we learned in those eight wins; that’s what is important in life.”

Fosque thanked the community for their support of the students’ achievements on and off the field and [volunteering] in the community.

“It’s just a great feeling to understand that not all kids in Asbury Park are kids that are doing the wrong thing,” he said. “Most of our kids are doing the right thing and we support those kids.”

There was the special needs student [below midset] who achieved the ranks of not only being a vital part of his bowling team but also his cross country and outdoor track teams. His awards are shown below left.

Held from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Asbury, the event emcee was Dr. Walter Barrett, the district’s athletic director. The Asbury donated its hall, the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten donated the three-course meal, and Confections of a Rock$tar donated the cake.

“This was an extraordinary year for athletics in Asbury Park, we are very proud of you,” Student Services Director Dr Kristie Howard [below midset] said before acknowledging the city businesses for their support. “I say that because it’s not just us who are proud of you, the community is very proud of what you did this year.”

Aside from the bowling team’s area six championship, there was the well contended season by the wrestling team, with three District 23 Champions among their roster.

A special accolade and a standing ovation were given to Frances Bennett, who will be retiring June 30 after over 14 years as the athletic department secretary.

Also recognized were the Lady Bishop Cheerleaders, high school marching band, track, baseball, and softball team members.

“Clearly Asbury Park High School is a school of champions,” Principal Kathy Baumgardner [at right] said. “We are on our way not just to be a school of champions in athletics but also in academics. So keep your eyes on us because we are coming up.”

Below is a 15-minute tribute to this year’s Blue Bishop athletes, courtesy of the school district:

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