Nyers takes over at helm of JFK football
Team coming off two-win season
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
After coaching stints at Bishop Ahr High School, Cardinal McCarrick High School, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and even Bremen, Germany, Rich Nyers is now the new head coach at John F. Kennedy High School. A psychology teacher at JFK since 2001, Nyers spent the past three seasons as the offensive coordinator at Woodbridge.

"The goal is to build a program here at Kennedy," Nyers said. "We want to lay the foundation that will last for years to come. This is more than just a one- or twoyear thing. We want to start by increasing our competitiveness and to improve on the basics."

Last year's Kennedy team stumbled to a 2-8 finish, so the task for Nyers will not be easy. Gone from last year's team is quarterback Joe Creighton and 15 other graduates.

"This year's seniors stepped up over the summer and have become team leaders," Nyers said. "We will need the upperclassmen to lead by example."

Senior Mike Hart is one such player emerging as a player to watch. Hart, an all-around talent, is battling for the quarterback position left vacant by Creighton's departure. Hart is also likely to see time at defensive back and possibly at wide receiver.

"He's very talented and someone the younger kids look up to," Nyers said. "He's also very approachable, and this makes him a true leader."

Wherever Hart lines up on the offensive side of the ball, he will rely on the services of three talented linemen Kennedy brings to the field this year. Seniors Tom Farrell, Justin Zeizel and Jeremy Torrain will look to anchor the offensive line alongside some younger newcomers.

"We have a nice little mix on the line," Nyers said. "We have two underclassmen battling for the center position to go with the three seniors on the line. The senior linemen are all leaders. Jeremy is the quiet one, but he's intense. Justin knows the game very well and is a smart player.

Tom would be the strong leader-byexample type."

Battling with Hart for the starting quarterback position is junior Alex Weinstein. Also athletic and with a strong arm, Weinstein brings similar qualities to the position. Varsity newcomer Mark Weber is looking to break into the backfield as the team's starting tailback. Just a sophomore, Weber brings a solid 6-foot-1, 185 pounds to his uniform.

"Mark has really quick feet," Nyers said. "He's very aggressive and he doesn't play like a sophomore."

The new-look Mustangs will kick off the season at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 when they take on defending Central Jersey Group II Champions Carteret.

"We have a lot of respect for those guys," Nyers said. "It will certainly be a good test for us to play such a strong Blue Division opponent right at the start of the season."

Along with head coach Nyers, new to the Kennedy sidelines this season are assistant coaches Kevin Wieczerzak, Lou Brunelli and Charlie McDevitt. Assistants Tom McFadden and Nick Cilento are both returning from last year's staff.

"We have a committed coaching staff and we've all been very happy with the effort of the players," Nyers said. "We're looking forward to a good season."