A Legacy Reborn: Linden Celebrates Its Greatest Athletes in a Historic Hall of Fame Comeback

The ceremony brought together decades of champions, coaches, and hometown heroes in a reunion that honored the past and reignited Linden’s athletic spirit.

By Michael A. Wattkis, Public Information Officer

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — More than 400 alumni, athletes, coaches, and families packed the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center on Thursday, Nov. 13, for a night that felt like a homecoming, a revival, and a family reunion all in one.

Thirteen years after its last induction, the Linden High School Athletic Hall of Fame roared back stronger than ever -- overflowing with laughter, tears, hugs, and memories that spanned generations.

It was not just a ceremony. It was a rediscovery of what Linden means -- and why its athletes, coaches, and families remain bonded for life.

As speaker after speaker stepped to the podium, one collective truth emerged: Linden athletics is more than competition -- it is a living lineage. It is a heritage stitched together by decades of coaches who believed in their kids, teammates who became family, and a hometown that pushed each generation to rise higher than the last. From icons like James “Bucky” McDonald to the mentors shaping today’s Tigers, every inductee spoke of standing on the shoulders of those who came before -- inheriting not just plays or records, but toughness, pride, sacrifice, loyalty, and an unwavering love for this community.

Again and again, they described Linden’s courts, tracks, gyms, and fields as something sacred -- not just places to train, but open-air classrooms where shy kids found courage, where lifelong bonds formed, and where the next wave of talent quietly studied the older ones, learning how to work, lead, and carry the mantle forward.

Across every story, every thank-you, and every tear, the message rang clear: Linden doesn’t just produce athletes. Linden produces citizens, leaders, and torchbearers of a tradition that refuses to fade. Every Tiger who steps onto the field joins an unbroken chain, carrying the roar of every player, coach, and champion who paved the way before them.

A NIGHT THAT MOVED LIKE A MOVIE — VOICES THAT SHAPED A CITY

From the moment Athletic Director and Hall of Fame Committee Chair Mike Firestone stepped to the microphone, the room buzzed with the energy of a long-awaited reunion.

“This is our first Hall of Fame ceremony in over thirteen years,” Firestone said, his voice catching with emotion as he looked across the packed room. “And to see so many familiar faces, proud families, and members of our community gathered here tonight makes it all worth it.”

He introduced the new class — six athletes, two coaches, two sports contributors, one civic leader, and four powerhouse teams — each met with booming applause, whistles, and shouts from former teammates who hadn’t been in the same room in decades.

But the night’s emotion deepened when Firestone paused the ceremony for a moment of silence, honoring the many inductees, coaches, and contributors who had passed. As the room stood still, heads bowed, you could feel the weight of a century of Linden athletics -- the triumphs, the losses, the brotherhood, the legacy -- resting quietly in the air.

DR. ATIYA PERKINS: “I stood on the sidelines as a child… cheering you on.”

Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins brought the crowd to life the moment she stepped up. “Big L rocks the house!” she shouted, and the crowd erupted.

Perkins spoke not just as a leader of the district, but as someone raised in the bleachers of Linden athletics. “I stood on the sidelines as a child seeing some of you play,” she recalled “You’re older now. That’s okay, but I cheered for you then, and I’m cheering for you tonight.”

Her message, grounded in history and hope, captured the heart of the evening: “Linden is an intergenerational city built on pride and expectancy -- and you don’t have to do it alone.”

MAYOR DEREK ARMSTEAD: “This town turns out champions — on and off the field.”

Mayor Derek Armstead, looking across the room at former players, classmates, and coaches who shaped the Linden he knows and loves, said, “This town has turned out some great athletes,” he said. “Basketball, football, baseball…now even soccer. But more importantly, Linden produces upstanding citizens.”

He gave a powerful nod to the generations of coaches, recreation directors, and mentors who built the city’s athletic pipeline.

“This doesn’t happen by accident. It takes training, time, people who care… people who give everything to our kids.”

Principal Koonce: “Your Legacy Shines Bright”

“When I walked in tonight, I felt the energy,” said Linden High School Principal Charles Koonce. “Sports is like music—it breaks down barriers and brings us together in the spirit of love.”

He praised the inductees for their grit and determination. “The mark of a champion is the will to forge on with discipline, dedication, and fortitude. Let tonight be a night you reflect on and be proud, as your legacy shines bright like a diamond,” Koonce said.

Senate President Scutari: From Lexington Avenue to the Statehouse

Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, a proud Linden graduate and former varsity wrestling captain, traced his journey with humor and heart.

“Growing up here with humble roots, you bring Linden with you wherever you go,” Scutari said. “If I hadn’t won that Board of Ed election in 1993, I probably wouldn’t be standing here today. Linden is where neighbors look out for each other, where schools build leaders, and where service truly means something. Linden will always be home.”

THE INDUCTEES: LEGENDS RETURN HOME

The inductions began with stories that stretched across generations -- from the 1961 Cross Country team, Linden’s earliest powerhouse, to the modern-day champions who carried their fire forward. Every speech revealed the same thread: Humility. Brotherhood. Community. Gratitude.

THE 1961 CROSS COUNTRY TEAM — Linden’s Original Trailblazers

Represented by Art Rostell, the team moved the crowd with memories of the program’s humble beginnings -- 23 boys who had never run before, transforming into the 12th-ranked team in New Jersey, the highest finish in school history.

THE 1982 BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM — Union County Champions

Filled with humor and swagger, the ‘82 team relived the games, the rivalries, the heartbreaks, and the triumphs.

THE 1985 FOOTBALL TEAM — First State Championship in School History

What came next was pure emotion. Players hugged, cried, and spoke through trembling voices as they remembered lost teammates -- and the brotherhood that still binds them nearly forty years later. “That 1985 team was something special,” said John Blassingame, fighting to keep his composure. “We came in picked not to win one game -- and we won the whole thing.”

THE 2014 FOOTBALL TEAM -- The Modern Standard

Coaches and players reflected on sacrifice, brotherhood, and the legacy they carried from the 1985 team. “I literally modeled the 2014 team after what I watched from the bleachers in 1985,” Coach Deon Candia shared. “I knew exactly what it took because I saw greatness with my own eyes.” The 2014 Tigers finished 10–2, ranked #1 in Union County, and delivered one of the most electrifying seasons in modern Linden history.

ATHLETES WHO DEFINED GENERATIONS

Speeches from inductees like Desmond Wade, Aaron Howard, Micah Jonathan Pettigholme, and others painted a portrait of Linden not just as a town, but as a launchpad. They spoke of coaches who protected them, teammates who pushed them, teachers who kept them focused, and courts and fields that shaped their character.

Desmond Wade -- “I’m overwhelmed. Linden gave me everything -- my teammates, my coaches, this community… this love. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Aaron Howard -- “When I picked up the ball, I just wanted to play with my friends. I had no idea it would bring me here today.” He described walking into the gym as a kid, watching Linden legends like Larry McGee and Calvin Duncan. “It was like walking into Madison Square Garden.”

Mica Jonathan Petit-Homme (JoJo) -- His story: balancing elite training with personal tragedy was one of the most emotional of the night. “My mom died six days after my 18th birthday. My dad passed away while I was in college. But Linden never let me fall. My coaches… my teammates… they became my family.” As the new head coach of Linden Track & Field, he now pays that love forward.

THE COACHES: The Architects of Linden’s Spirit

Cherie Pizzano-Wehrhahn: “Relationships Matter More Than Wins”

James “Bucky” McDonald: The Legend Speaks

DEON CANDIA — A FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT

When Candia spoke, the room fell silent. “Since 1987, more than 57,000 athletes came through Linden High School. To be among the elite… it’s an honor I don’t take lightly.”

He spoke of growing up on Chandler Avenue, of homelessness, of coaches who kept him in school, and of his mother, who passed away months after he won the 2014 championship. “My mom gave me discipline. She gave me values. I dedicate this honor to her.”

And then he delivered the line that will live in Linden lore: “People always ask who was better -- the ’85 team or the 2014 team. I guess now that we’re both in the Hall of Fame… we’ll never know.” The room exploded in cheers.

A NIGHT THAT RESTORED A LEGACY

As the ceremony drew to a close, one emotion filled the room: Pride. Deep, generational, Linden pride.

The Hall of Fame is not simply back. It's reborn. Restored. And roaring louder than ever.

THE 2025 CLASS OF THE LINDEN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

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