To The Men in Black
submitted by former Northern Bedford Head Football Coach, Joe Nastasi
I have been wanting to set aside some time to write a tribute to the many Northern Bedford football players that I have had the privledge of coaching. With the success of this years team and the many accomplishments of other Northern Bedford grads it seemed like a good time to write the tribute. I am so proud of the many former players who's sons are now playing. When I watch the current players they remind me of their fathers when they played. They have the same work habits, mental and physical toughness and best of all...they are great kids. Even when I look on the sidelines I see former players who are trying to carry on the tradition that we worked so hard to establish. Former players are coaching from the varsity level right on down to the flag teams. I am proud of the former players that stepped up and made many contributions in making our new Community Stadium a reality. We have had our share of superstars but we, for the most part, got players of average ability that work their tails off to be good. We ask them to do a lot of extra work to make a successful team. I had players come in to the weight room early in the morning or very late at night because they had to work on the farm during the day. Players did what they were asked to do because they believed in the program.
I would also like to thank all the many parents that gave up so much to see that their sons could experience the thrill of playing football. Without the support of these people it would have been impossible to have the success we had on the football field.
Here's hoping that the current players will carry on the tradition of the Men In Black. Thank you all for allowing me to have been a part of your lives. Keep up the good work.
Coach