On the recordDecember 10, 2014
Today, I rise to recognize the life of the legendary North Bergen High School football coach Vincent Ascolese. Coach Ascolese, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend, passed away on December 3 after a long battle with cancer. His career as a high school football coach spanned 50 years, beginning with 11 years in Hoboken, New Jersey, and then taking over the North Bergen football program in 1973. He retired after the 2011 season as New Jersey's third winningest coach in history. As a member of the Hudson County Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Football Coaches Hall of Fame, he guided the North Bergen Bruins to 12 Hudson County crowns and six State championships. As a Jersey City native, Coach Ascolese was named Hudson County Coach of the Year 14 times, and in 1997, he was named the Toyota Coach of the Year for the Eastern United States. In 2011, North Bergen's home field was renamed as the Vincent Ascolese Field. Coach Ascolese will be remembered for his lasting impact on and off the field and his ability to inspire his players and the community. My thoughts are with the Vincent Ascolese family, former players, and the North Bergen community. ____________________
