Rebels Baseball Champions Are Honored By Howell Council

HOWELL, NJ — The State Championship Howell High School Rebels varsity baseball team brought their star power to the Township Council meeting recently where they were honored for their achievements.

The varsity team "kept winning and winning," said Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond, whose son plays in junior varsity but who grew up with the players. She and other parents, she said, all have shared memories of the team members' growing up since being boys in grammar school and Little League.

Richmond presided over the presentation of many proclamations - some framed and some a little less unwieldy that were presented to the team and coaches at the July 12 meeting.

The usual council business was put off for a bit to make time for some baseball fever, and to express the town's admiration for the team that made it all the way to the top on June 18 - the 2022 State Championship - for the first time in school history.

The team was honored not only by the council but by proclamations from the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, area legislators and the state Assembly.

And it was well-deserved recognition, Richmond said. A couple of players made it through injuries such as a broken jaw and wrist but "they always overcame," she said.

Richmond recounted some stats for the Rebels: 25-6 record; most wins in school history; A-North champs (first since 1990); Central Jersey Group IV State Champs (first since 1994); Group IV state champs (first in school history); ranked #1 in the Shore Conference; Ranked #3 in the state; Ranked #1 Public School; and player Danny Furlong's perfect game.

Head Coach Eric Johnson accepted the proclamations for the team and he thanked Mayor Theresa Berger and Richmond and the entire council.

"There are 600 high schools in New Jersey, and these boys stand alone as the number 1 team in the entire state," he said about the accomplishment.

But beyond the game, it was the idea of growing up in a town and making connections.

"You play baseball with the people you grew up with which is getting lost a little bit these days. But these guys brought it back in a big, big way here in Howell and we are very proud of them," he said at the meeting.

The team accepted separate proclamations from the towns in a roll call. Team members are: Nick Gomes, Thomas Strauch, Danny Furlong, Nick Gallo, Nick Barracato, Nicholas Todisco, Jeremiah Wojenski, Ryan Bilello, Stephen Jardim, Dillon McKenna, Jason Pace, Devon Smith, Russell Halvorsen, Aidan Bauer, Braden Walsh, Joe Zito, Luke Bearse, Jack Gartenstein, Luke Devita, Aidan Hreha.

Coaches are: Eric Johnson and Brian Blood.