The legacy is unmatched; the pride is lifelong; and the tradition will always carry on.
Autumn in New York. Outside of the city about 60 miles or so. One of the most beautiful times of the year. Personally, my favorite.
For most, fall starts towards the end of September into October. For those in Port Jervis, it starts with the first whistle of two-a-days in August.
The expectations begin rolling in the second the previous season ends.
"The boys will be back strong next year."
"They'll compete for states."
A football program in its 120th year of existence is bound to have a strong community behind it. And while there may have been some sub-par records in recent times, the buzz around the area each year implicates a powerhouse statement: "this is our year."
We are raised tough. A district stemming from the upper Delaware River, to the mountains bordering Sullivan County, and stretching its way near the highest point in New Jersey. Half city, half rural. Don't let the geography fool you. The morphing of styles brings about a team that is fast, rugged, and strong both physically and mentally. Regardless of what your opinion may be of the seasons where expectations were not 100% met, this reputation is what makes Port, Port.
Practice fields outside of the high school gym give this reputation the opportunity to be implemented. Pre-practice conversations while sitting on the guardrail (during non-film days), quickly turn to scooting down the small hill while throwing your helmet on and running through the aged goalpost for warm-ups. An intensity switch flips on, and battle is in the air. Here, the grit and fortitude is further built. It is not just the repetition, but the reference to former players and coaches which help construct a stronger pride.
Glennette Field is the stomping ground where our reputation is put on display. A complex wrapped by ascending trees near the Neversink River. A complex, that when walking in before kickoff, you get a unique aura of war, beauty, and authenticity. By no means is it a "state of the art" facility. But, in a way, it's the way we like it. Natural grass instead of artificial turf, the fresh paint lining the fields, handmade banners, and the asphalt track surrounding it. You can feel the effort it takes to maintain and upkeep it. This homemade feeling, similar to that of the work ethic within the team, is the driving force of the community.
Mr. Colaiaco
A man who deserves much credit to the identity of Port Jervis football. He's been calling games since my father was in grade school. His voice; subtle but compelling, matching the intensity of each play, can be heard through the pines and tall lights surrounding Glennette. A signature style which forever rings through my ears when my memories of attending games and battling on that field playback.
The Tomahawk Chop which is blasted through speakers and instruments after any monumental play, mocking that of Florida State, still brings back moments of celebration and intense motivation. And the woman with the cowbell, which is always ringing, win or lose.
The post-game greetings and congratulations by parents, friends, and fans. If there was ever a defining aspect of our football community, let it be this. Players, walking off the field or out of the locker room to the bus/car, being greeted, hugged, kissed, congratulated, etc., often times by people they may not even know. Win or lose, the community has always supported the football program and players, which as a former player I could not be more thankful for and has helped to create future aspirations I hope to accomplish with the football program in the future.
I'm sure most people feel this way about their high school football program. Unique, one of a kind, unlike any other. But maybe its just the Raider in me which will say, "Ours is better." I would give it all to play one more game, and I know every Port Jervis Football player before (and after) me would (will) too.
"Stay low boys. Keep those feet moving."
