A new era in Don Bosco Prep athletics history began when Casey Schick took over the reins of the storied Ironmen program in January, 2024, a coach who’s no stranger to Don Bosco soccer or North Jersey soccer success. Prior to serving as the freshman head coach and an assistant varsity coach for the Ironmen the past two seasons, Schick orchestrated a dominant five-year run as the head coach of his alma mater, Glen Rock High School, where, from 2016-2020, Schick guided the Panthers to a sparkling 71-18-8 (.763) record. His Glen Rock tenure was highlighted by his being named the 2018 NJ.com Boys Soccer Coach of the Year, following a season that saw his team earn its first ever Bergen County Tournament Title, shutting out Ramsey, 3-0, in the championship game. Glen Rock entered the 2018 state tournament with an 18-0-1 record and breezed past Manchester Regional, Lenape Valley, Lakeland and Ramsey by a combined score of 18-2 to win the North 1, Group 2 championship. In the Group 2 semifinals, the Panthers faced a Hackestown team that had allowed just three goals in its run to the North 2, Group 2 title. Glen Rock won, 6-0, to earn its spot in the Group 2 final, where it fell to the No. 1 team in the state Holmdel, 3-1. Schick’s leadership skills and soccer acumen are unquestioned. But from his two years of experience on staff under the legendary Roy Nygren, he well knows that being a head coach at Don Bosco Prep is unlike any other job in the state, given the school’s deep Salesian emphasis, coupled with its sterling academic and athletic reputation. “Our number one goal as a staff is to make the players understand that we want them to grow and mature through their faith and through their community. That’s our number one goal,” Schick said. “Our faith is always prominent at practice and at games. Whenever we’re together as a team, we pray before and after practice , before and after games, so we do take that piece seriously and it’s talked about and preached every day that we’re together. If it’s on the soccer field or at a team fundraiser, or we’re just getting together for a team breakfast.” Doing the right things off the field, carrying yourself in the proper manner, and living a true Catholic life go hand in hand with winning games at Don Bosco Prep. “Our number two goal is to compete and to win and get back to those county finals and those county championship-caliber teams. But we can’t do that until we are all in on our first goal.” Whether it’s coaching a roster he’s inherited, as will be the case this fall, or going forward being charged with accepting new student-athletes to Don Bosco’s pristine campus, Schick and his staff are seeking a particular type of person and soccer player. “I’m definitely looking for a team-first type player. We’re looking to build successful within the freshman, jayvee, varsity teams, not individuals,” he added. “First and foremost is being able to pick out those players who aren’t “me-first “kind of guys. I’m looking for players who will be able to adapt and play different positions and do what’s best for the team. We obviously want each individual player to succeed but the team as a whole, that’s more important.” Part of the respect Schick commands from his players is derived from the fact he was a high-level student-athlete him-self, both at Glen Rock High School and Western New England College. In high school, Schick was a two-year All-League forward and outside midfielder in soccer and was the Panthers’ wrestling captain during his senior year. He also helped his track team win two state champions during his sophomore and junior years. A graduate from Glen Rock in 2005, Schick went on to attend Western New England University, which competes at the NCAA Division-III level. While playing soccer there, the Golden Bears earned multiple trips the NCAA Tournament over his four years and were a fixture in the NCAA Division-III national rankings. A 1989 graduate of Western New England, Schick majored in Psychology and a minored in Elementary Education, which led to his current job as a third grade teacher in the Ridgewood school district. Schick is well aware of the big shoes he’s filling in replacing the legendary Nygren, who compiled nearly 500 career wins, including six Bergen County titles during his 13 seasons and two stints at Don Bosco (1997-2007,) (2021-2022.) “I believe over the last few years under Roy’s leadership, some good plans have been put into place and that we’re definitely heading in the right direction,” Schick said....

Why Don Bosco? Why should talented young student-athletes interested in pursuing a Catholic high school education, and their parents, place their trust in Don Bosco Prep, educationally, spiritually and athletically? “First and foremost, we have a great track record of success,” said Matt Lane, who enters his first season as head coach of the Ironmen in 2024. “I truly believe from being at other Catholic schools, that Don Bosco really has a great sense of brotherhood. It sounds almost corny but I can tell you from being on the campus the first time, and getting to know the guys in the program, getting to know the different club activities and just seeing all the different ways that Don Bosco athletes are involved in the community at the school is very different from a lot of other schools. “On top of it all, I believe that compared to many of our competitors, our campus is far and away the nicest. It’s like a mini-college, being able to go from building to building and having the different opportunities whether it be in the business program, the arts program, robotics. Anything that any student could ever want, I truly believe, our school is able to give to them. And it provides a lot of opportunities for students to grow in the ways they want to and in the things they really care about. And I think it all kind of comes together to make the best possible experience for a student-athlete. “Yes, we’ve had a lot of recent success, including winning the 2021 State, Tournament of Champions, and Non-Public A State Championships. In addition to those titles, we’ve also won the county championship conference championship for three straight years against some great competition. The success kind of speaks for itself. We play a national schedule with a lot of high profile teams and programs from around the country. So our players have great opportunities to test themselves against the best. “Don Bosco Lacrosse, from its start in 1992, has also been deeply rooted in the Salesian community by sharing the vision and values put in to practice by our school founder St. John Bosco. From the acts of service our athletes volunteer at each year to the overall welcoming culture of our program and community, we are able to provide an atmosphere for our young men to grow both spiritually and as great men of character. While the program has grown to accommodate student-athletes of all religious denominations, we have maintained that Salesian presence with the help of the school faculty, on-campus Salesian community and our coaching staff who are all dedicated to the development of our young athletes.” In Matt Lane, the Ironmen are led by not only a familiar face, but a person who has also successfully played the game at the highest level of collegiate and high school lacrosse. Prior to serving as offensive coordinator for the tradition-laden Ironmen program under heralded former head coach Brendan Gorman the last two seasons, Lane was an All-American midfielder for the 10-time National Champion Syracuse University Orange, serving as a team captain in his senior season of 2018. In the classroom at Syracuse, the 6-6, 230-pound midfielder was also a member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll in each of his four years. In 2018, Lane completed his Bachelor's degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies with Minors in Marketing and Sport Management. While competing for the Orange as a fifth-year senior, he earned a Master's degree in advertising from the prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Lane, who impressed Gorman as an assistant coach at rival St. Joseph’s Regional High School in 2021 before bringing him on staff, enjoyed one of the most dominant high school playing careers in recent North Jersey history, starring for Montclair-Kimberley Academy (MKA). A 2015 U.S. Lacrosse All-American, Lane was Essex County and Montclair Kimberley’s all-time leading scorer with 337 points (155 goals, 182 assists.) As a senior, he notched 44 goals and 45 assists en route to earning 2013 Star Ledger Essex County Player of the Year honors. Lane led the Cougars to two NJISAA Prep B state championships and the 2012 NJSIAA Non-Public B state title. An All-New Jersey selection and member of the Gil Gibbs Senior All-Star Team, Lane also served as team captain while earning MVP honors. In addition to his success on the lacrosse field, Lane, who works full-time as a real estate specialist, also competed on the MKA soccer and basketball for four seasons, leading the soccer team to consecutive state titles while recording 52 career shutouts as the Cougars’ goalkeeper. On the hardwood, Lane poured in more than 900 points and pulled down over 1,000 rebounds during his basketball career. While Lane perfectly understands the high standard of success expected from every one of Don Bosco Prep’s athletic teams, he’s extremely cognizant of the importance of his role as a leader of young men within the structure of a Catholic preparatory school. Asked what he is looking for in a prospective Ironman lacrosse player, Lane responded, “The first thing I’m looking for in a potential student-athlete is someone who is hard working. I’m always looking for the hardest-working players on the field and in practice situations. That’s definitely the number one trait.” ...

Ty Oller and Massimo Monteleone each recorded two goals and one assist to lead Don Bosco Prep, No. 3 in the NJ.com Top 20, to a 7-2 victory over St. Peter’s Prep at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne. 12/11 - 6:00 PM Boys Ice Hockey Final St. Peter's Prep 2 Don Bosco Prep 7Complete Box Score » The Ironmen (2-0) led 5-1 after the first period. Dean Toskos added on a goal and an assist to the win, while AJ Carey scored once. Matt Bossolina tallied a pair of assists. James Tarabocchia stopped 13 shots in net for Don Bosco. Thomas Apelizian and Enzo Capano scored for the Pirates (0-1). Mike Lemanowicz and Santo Petrocelli shared duties in net for St. Peter’s Prep, as Lemanowicz recorded 27 saves on 29 shots while Petrocelli made 25 saves on 30 shots....

on Bosco Prep’s night in Florida began with a lightning delay. Edgewater’s Cedric Baxter Jr. ensured that things wouldn’t improve even after the weather cleared. 9/2 - 7:00 PM Football Final Don Bosco Prep 10 Edgewater (FL) 34Complete Box Score » Baxter, a University of Texas commit ran for 274 yards on 26 carries, highlighted by a pair of long second half touchdown runs as Edgewater (FL) defeated Don Bosco Prep, No. 1 in the NJ.com Top 20, 34-10, in Orlando. Edgewater, which never trailed, pulled away midway through the third quarter when Baxter took a handoff outside the right tackle, broke two tackles, then was off to the races for a 58-yard touchdown that made it 27-10. Baxter, considered a top 50 prospect in the country, later added a 96-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. ...

There will be some clips in Saturday’s film session for head coach Dan Sabella to nitpick, but his team got the job done on Friday. Don Bosco Prep, No. 1 in the NJ.com Top 20, put together its best offensive point total since 2019 on its way to a 48-28 season-opening win over Archbishop Spalding under the lights in Ramsey. 8/26 - 7:00 PM Football Final Archbishop Spalding (MD) 28 Don Bosco Prep 48Complete Box Score » The Ironmen led 27-0 in the third quarter before trading scores with the Cavaliers later on in the second half, eventually seeing their lead trimmed to 13, however they got their desired end result – a 1-0 start. “We’re not happy about making it interesting there at the end, but you have to enjoy it of course,” Sabella said. “We had a really good first half and we felt good about that. We just have to stop those big plays. We’re going to go back to work and look at that stuff and figure it out.” The offense started with senior quarterback Nick Minicucci. The Delaware pledge gashed Archbishop Spalding through the air with three touchdowns and 279 yards and took defenders on with several chunk runs, totaling 97 on seven carries on the night. It’s the confidence Sabella loves seeing out of his captain and it’s what gets the entire team going. Football: No.8 Seton Hall Prep defeats No.3 Don Bosco Prep 14-20. Don Bosco Prep's NIck Minicucci (16) looks to pass against Seton Hall Prep during the football game at Kelly Athletic Complex on 9/11/21.Tom Horak | For NJ Advance Media “Nick had a really good preseason,” Sabella said. “He has worked since the day he got here. You saw it early on [tonight] with the confidence and decision making. His arm is stronger and he’s another year older and faster. We’re going to be a really good offense when he plays well.” Minicucci dished out props to the rest of the offense for executing what they wanted to do. Senior running back Ronnie Heath found pay dirt twice on the ground, including the game’s first score, as did senior Dan Parisi on receptions from Minicucci. Senior Nasim Cosby caught a 70-yard touchdown, senior Omaree Walker took a jet sweep 23 yards to the house and sophomore Nolan James capped the night with a four-yard scamper to make up the rest of the team’s scoring. “We looked really good,” Minicucci said. “We have a lot of weapons and almost everyone got the ball today. Our offensive line makes the ship go. We wouldn’t have won this game without those guys. We’re not going to get too high or too low, but we’re really excited.” Archbishop Spalding saw Tyler Brown go 91 yards on a kickoff return touchdown and standout sophomore quarterback Malik Washington throw for multiple scores. He also ran one in on a fourth down late in the fourth quarter. Sabella has an idea of what needs to be corrected defensively and knows the talent is there. “We’re a little younger on defense than we are on offense, but we have a lot of capable guys in there,” he said. “Obviously, we’re hoping to get better each week, but we have to get in shape. It’s going to be hot in Florida.” The Ironmen will travel to the Orlando area next week to take on one of its best teams in Edgewater (FL). They’re looking forward to another out of state challenge. “This is my first time going 1-0 and I’ve been a varsity starter for four years, so it’s awesome to get this win,” senior Chase Bisontis said. “We can do a lot better though. We’re going down to Florida to play Edgewater and they’re a good team. We’re just trying to go 1-0 every week.” The N.J. High School Sports newsletter now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now and be among the first to get all the boys and girls sports you care about, straight to your inbox each weekday. To add your name, click here. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Ryan Patti covers the Super Football Conference and NJIC. He can be reached at rpatti@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanwpatti. ...

St. Peter’s Prep, No. 7 in the NJ.com Top 20, won each of the final six bouts on the way to a one-sided victory at home over Don Bosco Prep, 51-21. 1/11 - 6:30 PM Wrestling Final Don Bosco Prep 21 St. Peter's Prep 51Complete Box Score » Jake Talarico earned a 7-5 sudden-victory win at 113 to kick off the late-match rally, with Donovan Chavis winning at 120 with a 4-2 ultimate tiebreaker. Caedyn Ricciardi won at 126 with a 13-2 major decision before Jonathan Fuller earned a forfeit win at 132 for St. Peter’s Prep, which has won each of its first two matches to start the season. Angelo Pellicci earned a second-round pin at 138, the team’s third of the day after Roger Diaz (165) and Anthony Harris (175) each earned first-minute pins. Felix Lettini capped the win off with a 15-0 tech fall at 144 to put things away for St. Peter’s Prep. Gustavo Alarcon got off to a hot start for Don Bosco Prep (0-1), earning a first-round pin victory at 150, with Kai Argyros also taking a pin in the first minute. The NJ High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now and be among the first to get all the boys and girls sports you care about, straight to your inbox each weekday. To add your name, click here. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription....