It’s safe to say that soccer is a major part of the Horvaht’s family life. The…
Category: Athlete of the Week
Each week during the academic year, our Jim Hague chooses an Athlete of the Week from one of the eight towns we cover.
Kearny’s Osorio named Observer Female Athlete of the Year; Soccer, basketball star becomes 8th Kardinal to receive year-end award
Samantha Osorio can best be described as the reluctant athlete. The recent Kearny High School graduate…
Memorable night for Leone, Lyndhurst’s version of ‘Rudy’
A.J. Leone was a manager for the Lyndhurst High School state champion football team in 2019,…
Lyndhurst’s Weavers: All in the family
It was all part of a master plan established almost a decade ago. When veteran wrestling…
Belleville’s Castro: A true senior leader
The 2019-2020 boys’ high school basketball season was about to begin and Belleville High School veteran…
Kearny’s Souza a quick learner in basketball and life
Nic Souza moved with his family to the United States from his native Brazil four years…
Lyndhurst’s Berko proven to be a two-sport star
Jonathon Berko was asked the tough question right away. In the spring, Berko is a standout…
Nutley’s Scheidel has 1,000 or so memories over her brilliant career
Nutley High School head girls’ basketball coach Larry Mitschow was all set to have an intense…
Harrison’s Rodriguez: Senior leader for the Blue Tide
The sound of basketballs bouncing inside the Harrison Recreation Center before the early morning rush hour…
Lyndhurst’s Lembo: To the rescue when sorely needed
When the 2019 high school football season began with training camp in August, Anthony Lembo felt…
Lyndhurst’s Ay develops into player of impact in season to remember
For three years of his high school football career, Ismail Ay was a non-descript member for…
Kearny’s Laverde gains redemption
BAYONNE – Two years ago as an unknown freshman, Kearny’s Maria Laverde shocked the local cross…
Lyndhurst’s Rodriguez now making his mark in football
It was February of 2018 when John Rodriguez first made a name for himself. At the…
Lyndhurst’s Partyla looking to break all records
When Piotr Partyla was in eighth grade, he was a member of the Lyndhurst Recreation travel…
Belleville back Leigh brings Buccaneers to three straight wins
Before the 2019 high school football season began, Derek Leigh kept himself very busy in anticipation.…
Nutley’s Higgins named Observer Co-Male Athlete of Year
There’s no doubt about this one fact: Marty Higgins is one of the greatest – if…
NA’s McKenna named Observer Co-Male Athlete of Year
It’s a rarity in today’s day and age of high school sports to see one athlete…
Lyndhurst’s Pezzolla named The Observer’s Female Athlete of Year
For all intents and purposes, Giulia Pezzolla was born to play soccer. “I think I was…
North Arlington rower Mendoza competes on national level
Gary Mendoza was born in Ecuador and moved to the United States, first Sayreville and then…
Kearny close buddies Franco, Reyes push each other to finish line
The long-lasting bond of friendship between Breisly Franco and Xavier Reyes innocently started when the two…
The three P’s: NA’s Alho provides pop, poise and potential
The 2018 high school baseball season was just in its infant stages, maybe two games old…
Belleville’s brilliant backstop Nicosia: A cut above the rest
For the last three-plus years, Belleville High School head softball coach Chris Cantarella has enjoyed an…
NA’s McKenna now enjoys stress-free life
There was a time in his young athletic life that Eric McKenna might allow outside distractions…
Lyndhurst’s Weaver finally gets to win wrestling championship for father
It was almost predestined. Eventually, the day would come where Dylan Weaver would be wrestling for…
The unlikely hero: NA’s Lynch reaches 1,000 point milestone
Talk about your lofty aspirations and incredible goals. When Matt Lynch was an eighth grade student…
Belleville’s Castro: The Buccaneers’ silent assassin
A little over a year ago, Hector Castro’s mother, Francine Torres, thought it was a wise…
Kearny wrestler Silva an undefeated man of many talents
It’s one thing that Steven Silva is an undefeated 113-pounder on the Kearny High School wrestling…
Belleville’s Guerra wins Essex County wrestling crown
Since the time he was about five years old, David Guerra was involved in karate. But…
Kearny’s Myers becomes a shot blocking machine
A year ago, Robert Myers was devastated by the news that he was declared academically ineligible…
Lyndhurst’s Cimicata helps to lead Golden Bears to state sectional title game
It was almost destined that Paul Cimicata would eventually play football for Lyndhurst High School. After…