Hopatcong Honors Athletic Greats

The Hopatcong athletic community honored a pair of national champions, as well as two well-known fans at its home football opener against North Warren on Sept. 21.

Mike Juskus, a 1976 Hopatcong High School graduate, and Zach Rey, a 2005 graduate, were in attendance and recognized for their outstanding collegiate performances. 

Also honored were Hopatcong's No. 1 fans, John and Lola Scala. The future of the Chiefs, the Hopatcong Warriors youth football teams, were also announced.

"It is always special to honor outstanding athletic achievements by former athletes, long time dedicated fans, and the future of Hopatcong football," high school athletic director Tom Vara said.

Juskus and Rey were honored for some impressive careers.

Juskus's highlights include his 1979 Division I national championship in javelin for then Glassboro State, known now as Rowan University. He was also a three-time collegiate All-American and three-time Division III javelin champion. He was a member of the 1980 Olympic team, and also competed in the 1980 World University Games.

Rey won the 2011 Division I heavyweight national championship for Lehigh University. He is a three-time collegiate All-American and competed for the World University team in 2010.

The Scalas are known to spend their afternoons and evenings attending Chiefs athletic contests. The Scalas, Rey and Juskus were honored before the 7 p.m. kickoff. The Warriors were on the field at halftime.