Bergen Catholic Football The Official Home of the Bergen Catholic Crusaders

Crusaders earn accolades & rankings

The 2011 Bergen Catholic Crusaders surprised many people in the Garden State this season, reloading their roster, and making great strides in the midst of their most demanding national schedule in school history. While the Crusaders did not achieve their ultimate goal of winning a state championship, BC did accomplish many goals this fall, and have earned their fair share of accolades and high rankings.

BC was awarded the #2 ranking in New Jersey by The Star Ledger, and was also placed #2 in North Jersey by The Record. MSG Varsity ranked the Crusaders #3 in the entire Tri-State area, and the Red & Gold remain ranked in the Top 40 in the country in several national polls. These local and national rankings are a testament to the exceptional amount of work that the players and coaching staff put into the 2011 season, and the entire BC football program should be applauded for their tremendous efforts during the 2011 campaign.

In the past few days, several Crusader players were rightfully honored for their incredible performances during the 2011 season. 4 Crusaders were honored as 1st-Team All-Bergen performers, led on offense by quarterback Jon Germano, and wide receiver John Tsimis. Defensive end Hunter Kiselick, and cornerback Chucky Wingate also represented the Crusaders on the 1st-Team Defesive Unit. Offensive Tackle Mike Radespiel was a 2nd-Team All-Offense selection on the offensive line, while Mike Gerst and Austin Devine also were honored for their great seasons, being placed on the Honorable Mention list in Bergen County.

This close knit team will forever be remembered as a team that competed with a relentless drive and love of the game, and along with the 2010 team, helped lay the foundation for what is to come in the future under Nunzio Campanile. This team did not buckle under the pressure of a national schedule that put BC in the spotlight with games in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York, and their work ethic will hopefully be replicated by BC teams in the coming years.

Congratulations to all the 2011 Bergen Catholic players, coaches, and families on an excellent season, and it was truly an honor to cover the team the last couple of months.