Along with many new changes this 2013 school year, our Highlander community welcomes a new member to our athletics program, Mr. Joseph Trentacosta. “Mr. Trent”, as he is called by many in the school system, replaces Mr. Gillen, who was a long time coach and Athletic Director here at West Milford High School. Before coming to the high school Trent was a history teacher over at Macopin School and District wide anti-bullying coordinator. This year Trent organized a “Meet the Coaches Night” combined with a 9/11 remembrance moment, and a motivational speaker. The speaker, Coach Randy Nathan, was addressing high school bullying. This jam-packed event was held on Sept. 11, 2013 and began with the coaches listening to the speaker first. Trent conducted a survey after the event and the feedback was very positive from the coaches. “All coaches who could attend were present,” he explained and stated there were over 300 students and parents there to listen and learn. Overall, “The event was a success,” in his eyes.
The parents listened to the speaker at 8 o’ clock and then students listened at 9. Parents were also happy with the way the night was run. Many expressed how friendly the coaching staff was and how much information they were able to gain from so many sports in just one night. Almost all high school sports were represented at the event with a table set up by the coaches and booster clubs displaying information. This event also gave students the opportunity to learn about new sports and get a good snack, too!
Trent suggested for the upcoming years that students and parents listen to the same seminar together, bringing families closer. He also wishes for the event to attract more sports from the community, not just high school sport teams. He does not want residents of West Milford to think the event is just for the high school. The local PAL organization has also addressed the bullying topic in coaches and referee seminars, and plans to in the future work with the high school and Trent. The speaker also informed athletes of the new state mandated laws that must be read before each high school sporting event relating to bullying and taunting the opposing players.
When asked questions about his future role as the new Athletic Director Trent was very positive. He hopes to see a “shift away from the social norms” of bullying and that more students will “become upstanders”, a term used to describe someone who does not stand by during social discrimination or bullying. He points out that “starting with the athletes” of West Milford, who make up about 60% of the student body, is a good idea.
Trent explained that bullying in West Milford is no worse than anywhere else, but he is glad to see that the district dove headfirst into finding a solution to make school and sports a better place for everyone. If you were unable to attend the event, the high schools’ TV science students made a video highlighting the night, which was played at Back to School Night on Sept. 26, 2013, and can be accessed through Mr. Padilla and the TV science program. Trent is open to any feedback about the event and would love to talk to those who attended.
