On Saturday, Oct. 4, Pascack Hills High School welcomed back alumni for its inaugural Homecoming Football Game and Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony.
The Broncos faced off against Dwight Morrow High School in the milestone event, ultimately securing a 29-14 victory.
The game served as the culmination of the day-long event, which also included various community activities such as food trucks and merchandise sales. Guests began arriving for the event at 10 a.m., with many dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls to participate in the western theme. Food trucks and merchandise sales were located by the upper parking lot. Attendees could purchase Hills merchandise, such as T-shirts and sweatshirts, to express their school spirit.
Before the game, a ceremony was held for the first-ever class of inductees into the Pascack Hills Athletic Hall of Fame. The names of the athletes were announced over the field’s speakers, and the crowd cheered to recognize the significant achievement.
Hall of Fame Inductees
Individual Athletes:
- Gene Ashley
- Tom Abrahamson
- Tony Durkin
- Tom Husted
- Diane Lovato
- Brianna Musco
- Linda DeRenzo
Coaches:
- Bucky Rehain
- Michael O’Brien
- Bill Lally
Teams:
- The 1970 Wrestling Team
- The 1979 Football Team
Supporters of Athletics:
- Bart DiPaola, first principal of Pascack Hills
- Chet Pilatowski, first athletic director of Pascack Hills
After the ceremony, attention shifted to the football game, which kicked off at 2 p.m. The game started with the Raiders taking the lead, but after many thrilling plays, the Broncos fought their way back. Hills finished the game with the 29-14 score, defeating Dwight Morrow.
For Pascack Hills High School, this event marks a meaningful part of its history.
Athletic Director Steve Papa said, “I would like to keep this homecoming football game as a yearly tradition, as it is a great way to bring alumni together and reunite graduates.”
This homecoming game represents the beginning of a new tradition for Hills to engage with its alumni community and honor others. By hosting events like these, Pascack Hills aims to build community and spirit.
It stands as a significant step in celebrating the school’s athletic legacy, while looking forward to a promising future for Pascack Hills Athletics.
Traditionally, “Homecoming” is an annual event for high schools and colleges around the United States. Starting with the University of Missouri in 1911, the tradition picked up in school institutions around the 1920s and has grown ever since.
The purpose of Homecoming is to bring students, alumni, and the community together and celebrate school spirit. Saturday’s event truly reflected this sentiment, turning the first annual Homecoming into a memorable day that will hopefully go on to become a Pascack Hills custom.
