Eliza Khan (‘26)
On October 10, South Brunswick High School celebrated the induction of past athletes through its Hall of Fame event. Multiple coaches and teams were awarded with certificates as a way to be recognized for their time and commitment at SBHS. The event was hosted by Mr. CJ Hendricks, former SBHS Director of Athletics, and unofficial SBHS historian/long-term substitute teacher, Mr. James Zinsmeister, the co-founder of the Hall of Fame.
The first teams to be recognized were the 1996 Champion Boys Varsity Bowling team and the 2010 Champion Girls Varsity Bowling team. Speakers made a special mention of inductee Santo Bonfilio, a special service trainer who served as an athletic trainer, coach, teacher, and implemented a physical education and an immigrant workers program in South Brunswick. In all, he served 42 years.
Unfortunately, Mr. Bonfilio passed away and was unable to receive his award. His family came to accept the honor posthumously and introduced Mr. Bonfilio’s legacy.
Ms. Valerie Bonfolio, Mr.Bonfilio’s daughter, gave a statement to the inductees about her father.
Ms.Valerie said, “Santo has had a positive impact on many lives through his selfless service to the South Brunswick community for 42 years, a life well lived, providing service to many.”
The next inductees recognized were two coaches who served at SBHS.
Ms. Nancy McDonald, the coach for the Boys Varsity Tennis Program was introduced first. She switched between coaching volleyball and tennis, and eventually stayed with boys and girls tennis for 20 years.
Ms.McDonald said, “I think that the most fulfilling thing is seeing these kids now, after high school, and seeing the success of students that I had that are now, you know, young adults and mature. When they were in high school with me, they were young, now they're grown up, I think that's the most fulfilling thing.”
The second coach recognized was math teacher Ms. Tara Burniston, head coach for the bowling teams and one of the most-winning coaches who served at SBHS. She coached the bowling teams for 22 years.
For the third portion of the event, individual student-athletes were recognized. They began with inductee Ms. Valerie Harmon, a three-sport star who was a graduate of 1981, notably known for her work as a softball player.
Ms. Harmon had the following advice for current SBHS athletes.
Ms.Harmon said, “What I would advise is balance. But just like anything, you need to practice. If you want to achieve a certain goal, it's obtainable, you just need to work hard, that's it. And love the game, love what you're doing, do it for you!”
Inductee and current social studies and VTN teacher, shot put and discus coach, Mr. John Viotto, who excelled in football and track and field until he graduated in 2007, was next to be introduced.
Mr. Viotto said, “It is a really great honor being a South Brunswick Viking and graduate of 2007 and having the opportunity to work alongside great coaches and now back here as a teacher. I get to have some of those coaches as colleagues. It has been a great pleasure and obviously I enjoyed my time here and had some success, athletically, in track and football and I'm really proud to be honored by my school and my school district.”
Graduate of 2014, inductee Mr. Morgan Murray, one of the best track stars in the school’s history, was also honored. He gave thanks to athletic staff and to their positive impact on him as an athlete.
After Mr. Murray, graduate of 2009 inductee, Ms. Marisa Liptak, a gymnastics star, was highlighted. Liptack trained six days a week and, at times, seven hours a day. She gave her thanks to Ms. Mindy Verderami, her coach while at SBHS, and many who supported the importance of gymnastics.
The final two inductees included Ms. Danielle Padovano and Mr. Mohamed Sanu. A graduate of 2013, Padovano is a “multi sport athlete” of her time and basketballer. Her coaching and support came from Mr. CJ Hendricks, the event host.
Mr. Sanu was the final inductee introduced of the night. Graduate of 2009, Sanu was able to reach threshold levels and become a professional athlete. Mr. Sanu first began his NFL career in 2012. Since then, he has been a part of six different teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, and the New England Patriots. He is currently a successful entrepreneur and businessman. He made the final remarks of the night by thanking the community around him and South Brunswick as a whole.
The recognition ceremony concluded after each inductee of 2024 was introduced. The inductees, family, and friends continued to the football field for a home-game ceremony.
Mr. Hendricks said, “This is not the hall of very good, it is the hall of fame.”
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