“We pushed ourselves harder than any training camp I’ve been a part of.”
The way the team reached the most unusual training camp location of perhaps any high school in New Jersey history is the story of the relationships built over the last several years by Sgt. 1st Class Bruce Vega, a Lawrencevillebased recruiter.
On a visit to the Hamilton Township school more than a year ago, the coaches told Vega they dreamed of holding training camp in a “military atmosphere.”
Vega worked to make it happen. By late August, the team was cleared to report to Sea Girt.
The coaches ran the two-a-day practices, but Vega and a few fellow recruiters led some conditioning exercises, including workouts on the beach.
“They looked like sugar cookies when we were done,” Vega said. The Soldiers apparently made an impression on the players after the workout sessions as well.
“I know there are some guys who are thinking more about (joining) after this week,” said Nicki Maciolek, 16, senior defensive back and running back. |