Panthers Football Celebrates its Seniors

Despite losing their first five football games, the Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers still have half a season to play.

They began the second half of their season with a 48-0 loss to Franklin at Friday night. The loss dropped the Panthers to 0-6 on the season.

However, a big theme of the night was Senior Night, which included a pre-game ceremony that honored the 27 seniors on the team. With the season not going the way most had planned, it was one night to forget about the record and celebrate the Class of 2012’s accomplishments.

Many were on hand for the pre-game ceremony despite the passing thunderstorms that came through Bridgewater earlier in the day. The rain held up for the event, allowing the seniors their proper sendoff.

Parents of the outgoing seniors were present, as they were greeted on the field by their sons before the game. Carol Mastroianni was there for her son Ray, and the ceremony brought back many memories of Ray’s football years as a Panther.

“It’s been very exciting year after year, especially last year when he became a vital part of the team as the starting quarterback,” Mastroianni said. “Ray has developed so many leadership skills enough. I can’t thank the high school enough because of all the exposure they have given him on and off the field. My husband Dan and I are very grateful for what they have done for us.”

The night also celebrates the growth of the young men who have played for the team throughout their high school years. To AJ Kolen’s parents, Andrew and Gina, the night is a way to cap off the maturation of their son and his teammates.

“It’s really been fantastic to see our kids grow from the youth programs as they grow from boys to young men,” Andrew Kolen said. “They have really carried out and represented the Bridgewater program and have become leaders for the underclassmen who are coming through the program now.”

“The four years for AJ and especially this senior class have really been great to watch,” Gina Kolen added. “They have grown together starting as freshmen, which is a crucial age for their development. They have all grown to a tight-knit group of young men who are ready to move on to their next step, and I think they will be taking a lot with them.”

Mastroianni credits much of her son’s growth to head coach Scott Bray and his coaching staff, who have guided the seniors through their high school lives both on and off the field.

“It’s been learning experience because you have highs and lows,” Mastroianni said. “I think Ray has taken a lot from coach (Scott) Bray and his coaching staff.  They are teaching these boys a lot of good things such as a strong work ethic, to a positive attitude. I think they’re doing a really nice job.”

What the ceremony emphasized most though was family and solidarity. Despite the struggles of this season, the senior class is a tight-knit group from the players all the way through to the parents. They have stuck together through the tough times, and celebrated the good times together through much of their sons’ lives.

Christina Burke was there for her son James. One of her greatest joys has been to watch her son play with the same kids through the years, and developing relationships with the families.

“It is a family,” Burke said. “Most of the boys have been together since they have been playing in Pop Warner. Since they were six years old we have all grown closer together and the boys have really become a family. They really depend on each other and it’s so great to celebrate together. I’m so proud of James as he has exhibited great leadership and it has been great to see him grow.”

Although the result could not cap off a magical night, the Panthers have three games remaining in the season. Next week they travel to Montgomery, as they look to end the season with a couple of wins to give the class of 2012 a strong sendoff to their Panther careers.