31th Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Dinner for the Greater Morris County Chapter of the National Football Foundation

FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY – On Thursday, March 27, 2024, the Greater Morris County Chapter of the National Football Foundation held its 31st Scholar-Athlete Dinner at The Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ.  It was a truly inspiring occasion that united the community in celebrating the remarkable achievements of 37 high school football scholar-athletes from Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties in New Jersey, alongside a distinguished college scholar-athlete from Fairleigh Dickinson University. This event was a powerful reminder of the dedication, perseverance, and excellence that define the journey of these exceptional individuals.

 As the evening unfolded, the spotlight shone not only on the scholar-athletes but also on four distinguished honorees who have left an indelible mark on the world of football. Among them was Ihmir Smith-Marsette, a former high school football star from Weequahic High School in New Jersey, who has won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs and is currently making waves with the New York Giants. His journey from local hero to professional athlete serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.

 The celebration also honored Miller Bugliari, a long-time member of the NY Giants chain-gang and an esteemed high school soccer coach at The Pingry School whose commitment to sportsmanship and mentorship has influenced countless young athletes. In addition, the evening recognized John Giannantonio, a high school football legend and holder of multiple national high school football records, whose achievements remind us all of what is possible through hard work and diligence. His records have stood since the 1950s and include 594.9 rushing yards per game, 4,756 years in a season, and 754 yards in a single game.  Finally, Mike Mickens, the Assistant Head Coach at Butler High School, was acknowledged for his dedication to fostering the next generation of athletes, instilling in them the values of teamwork and excellence.

This event highlighted the National Football Foundation's mission to promote leadership, sportsmanship, and both athletic and academic achievement through the lens of amateur football. It served as a reminder of the values that drive the foundation and the profound, positive impact it has on the community.

The success of this inspiring celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of the Chapter's sponsors, Atlantic Health Systems and the New York Jets. Their unwavering commitment to supporting youth and education allows the Chapter to continue honoring these outstanding scholar-athletes and to award six scholarships annually. The gratitude of the Chapter and its board is immense, as their partnership is vital in promoting the excellent work being done within our Greater Morris County community.

In a world where challenges abound, the achievements of these scholar-athletes and honorees illuminate a path forward—one marked by dedication, resilience, and the belief that greatness is possible when one combines talent with hard work.

The Scholar-Athletes that were honored include:

Drew Cabalar, Boonton High School
Matt Barile, Butler High School
Eric Riso, Chatham High School
Brock Dandridge, Delbarton School
Jose Adames, Dover High School
Nathan Saccal, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Mason Burke, Hackettstown High School
Hector Lopez III, Hanover Park High School
Dylan Masters, High Point Regional High School
Jonathan Franco, Hopatcong High School
Dylan Rockey, Jefferson Township High School
Andrew Stickley, Kinnelon High School
Jordan Pflugfelder, Kittatinny Regional High School
Jakob Bell, Lenape Valley Regional High School
Broderick Dineen, Madison High School
Anthony Feaster, Montville High School
Miguel Cantu Jr., Morris Catholic High School
Nicolas Rex, Morris Hills High School
Josh Savitch, Morris Knolls High School
Sam Cherins, Morristown Beard School
Ryan Myers, Morristown High School
Tyler Cumming, Mount Olive High School
Connor Higgins, Mountain Lakes High School
Anthony Tudda, Newton High School
Owen Honey, North Warren Regional H. S.
Lukas Grippo, Parsippany High School
AJ Herre, Parsippany Hills High School
Nick Pownall, Pequannock Township High School
Jarrod Cofrancesco, Pope John XXIII Regional High School
Dean Mangiocavallo, Randolph High School
Trevor Klapmuts, Roxbury High School
Caden Masternak, Sparta High School
Brian Gruber, Sussex County Technical School
Luca Vizzini, Vernon Township High School
Matthew Carr, Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Brady Ashburn, West Morris Central High School
Nicholas Bruno, West Morris Mendham High School
Alex Birecki, Whippany Park High School