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BOE Commends Scotch Plains-Fanwood Soccer

The Board of Education delivered resolutions congratulating three SPFHS Soccer teams, paying special tribute to Varsity Head Coach "Brez"

On Tuesday, November 28, the Board of Education spent the evening congratulating the outstanding athletic achievement and quality of character championed by Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Soccer teams. A resolution was passed commending the two Varsity teams as well as the Girls JV team for the “outstanding talent, dedication, and teamwork throughout the season,” exhibited by all players as well as coaches. Special recognition as given to Coach Tom “Brez” Breznitsky who as Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Soccer Team has a coaching career that spans 37 years and over 600 wins.

SPFHS Principal, Dr. David Heisey was on hand to congratulate the athletes.

“It’s amazing what these victories do for school spirit, but as Principal, I am looking for more. The sportsmanship and camaraderie I see on the field each game, the players who serve as role models for fellow students but also for the younger kids who come to the games; these are the things that I look for and will continue to make you successful in all that you do,” Heisey stated.

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The Board stated that the Girls JV Soccer Team finished the season with an impressive record of 11 wins and 1 loss, continuing tradition of athletic excellence for Scotch Plains. On November 5, 2011 the JV Girls Soccer Team won the Union County Championship, beating Governor Livingston High School for the title.

The Board also paid tribute to JV Girls Head Coach Matt Tiedemann, Varsity Assistant Coach Michelle Tobier, Freshman Girls Soccer Coach Joe Higgins, and Head Coach for the Girls Varsity Soccer team, Kevin Ewing who offered guidance throughout the season.

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Assistant Principal and Athletic Ryan Miller also offered his congratulations for the JV team.

“I know that in the beginning of the season, Coach Tiedemann consistently said that if they kept playing hard, things would work out well. I think it is wonderful that the entire team can get to play in a championship; it as incredible to watch you guys play,” Miller stated.

The Board went on to recognize the Varsity Girls Soccer Team who achieved a record of 16 wins, two losses, and four ties. In doing so, the team became one of the top teams in Union County and the State of New Jersey. The Board stated that on November 5, 2011 the second seated Varsity Girls soccer team won its sixth Union County Championship in seven years defeating the number one seated team at the time, Westfield High School for the win.

The Board commended Head Coach Kevin Ewing and Assistant Varsity Coach Michelle Tobier, who were assisted by Junior Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach Matt Tiedemann, as well as Freshman Coach Joe Higgins.

“When I took over here, I wasn’t used to winning county championships or any finals whatsoever and now I am just starting to expect that so thank you,” Miller stated. “I also want to thank the parents and the community for the strong support that we have for soccer in this town. When people ask me why we are so solid, I tell them that it is because we have the talent to rotate over 20 kids in each game. That is a credit to us and to the community,” he said.

Next, the Board took the opportunity to congratulate the Boys Varsity Soccer Team. BOE member Douglas Layne delivered some words of wisdom before reading the resolution.

“Magic Johnson said that the most important thing he ever did was win the Michigan State High School Championship. The realization of excellence begins with the expectation of excellence. Once you have that, you can go very, very far in life… I would be remiss not to commend the Scotch Plains Soccer Association. The organization of your championship is a product of their work,” Layne stated.

The Board noted that with record of 21 and three, this team continued a strong tradition of excellence. On Sunday November 6, 2011 the team defeated Union High School, winning its fifteenth Union County Championship before a crowd of more than 500 fans. The Boys Soccer Team went on to win the State Sectional Semifinals in an epic 2 to 0 victory.  

“This team was truly remarkable to watch. They were selfless, they worked hard for each other and they made every game count. After a very difficult end to the season, they still had enough class and enough dignity to thank all of the fans that came out to support them. That spoke volumes to their character as well as to that of the community and their parents,” Miller stated.

Miller went on to comment on the team’s exuberant fan base popularly known as “Raider Nation.”

“I had the most fun this season controlling the members of Raider Nation that kept following our boys soccer team around; I can’t believe they’re not here tonight. Can someone get the blue guy on the phone?” Miller joked.

The Board of Education also passed a resolution recognizing Coach Breznitzky’s outstanding record including his recent 600th win, a feat that only four other coaches in New Jersey have accomplished.

 Dr. Heisey also addressed the Board and the community, commending Coach Brez.

“In education, the teacher who can get the most out of a student and help them reach their highest potential makes a difference. That same rule applies to athletics and Mr. Breznitsky has been successfully doing that for years.  Those who have played for him often come back to sing his praises and speak about the lessons that they have learned from him on and off the soccer field.

Accepting the honor presented by the Board, Coach Brez spoke about how he reached his 600 win, naming the support of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood “family” as one of the elements that helped him reach this victory.

“Several times during the course of this year, I was asked ‘How do you win 600 games?’ First of all, longevity; you gotta be old. 37 years of coaching makes it a little easier. Second of all, outstanding players, and I have had so many over the years,” he stated.

“This is one of the finest groups of young men that I have ever coached.  I have also had the privilege of working with many outstanding coaches. My longtime Assistant Coach, Joe Mortarulo has been with me for 20 years; I even refer to him as an Associate Coach,” Breznitsky explained.

 A testament to his long and incredible career in Scotch Plains, Coach Brez offered a bit of trivia for the Board. Brez asked the Board: who was his Assistant Coach when he won his first State Championship. The answer drew a hearty laugh and rousing applause from all: School One’s longtime Principal: Jeff Grysko.

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