Nominations Open for 2025 Bergen County YMCA Sports Award Banquet

By: Mollie Shauger | Friday, March 14, 2025 | News

Honorees and attendees gather at The Terrace for a previous Sports Award Banquet.

NEW MILFORD, NJ – New Milford YMCA Program Center, a location of the Greater Bergen County YMCA, announces that it’s accepting nominations for the 60th Annual Sports Award Banquet. This cherished tradition, which will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 25 in Paramus, celebrates the exceptional achievements of high school athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers who make high school athletics possible in Bergen County.

In 2024, this event raised $29,000 in support of local youth sports initiatives. Last year, 14 professionals were honored for their excellence in sportsmanship, leadership, and athletic achievement. Additionally, 21 student-athletes from 15 Bergen County high schools were recognized for their remarkable contributions to their teams and communities. 

“We are honored to celebrate the student-athletes, coaches, and volunteers who make Bergen County’s high school sports community so special,” said Jason Kelly, Executive Director of New Milford YMCA Program Center. “This event is a true testament to the passion and dedication of those who contribute to the success of youth athletics in our county.”

Special Categories

This year, nominations are open in special categories which honor the Person of the Year, as well as the distinguished coaches, assistant coaches, officials, and volunteers who are the backbone of Bergen County high school athletics. Categories include:

• Person of the Year
• Thomas L. Della Torre Special Achievement
• Richard Poor Service to the Community
• Nicholas G. Saingas Service to Youth Award for Contribution to High School Athletics
• William M. Corcoran Service to Youth Award or Contribution to High School Athletics
• Courageous Adult or Youth
• Inspirational Adult or Youth
• Assistant Coach Award
• Professional Athlete Award
• College Athlete of the Year
• Walter E. Goepel Amateur Athlete of the Year

High School Student Athlete Nominations

Nominations are also open for outstanding High-School Student Athlete honorees and the J. Barry Stanford Award for Outstanding Achievement in High School sports. 

The Special Categories nomination deadline is March 21 and the High School Athlete nomination deadline is May 9. To submit a nomination, visit metroymcas.org/gbsports or contact Nick Hohn at nhohn@metroymcas.org.

For more information about the banquet and sponsorship opportunities, visit metroymcas.org/gbsports.

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About the Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston and Stillwater are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.