Belleville HS new boys’ soccer coach Gary Polewka thrilled to guide team this season

BELLEVILLE, NJ – Gary Polewka has seen the boys’ soccer players at Belleville High School develop for the past few years.

Polewka especially is excited to continue to see that development as the Bucs new head varsity coach.

“It’s a good group of kids,” said Polewka, who was the Bucs JV coach for the past three seasons. “We have a tight-knit group.”

The rising seniors are particularly special to Polewka, who has seen those players grow since their freshmen year.

Polewka said he hopes to help them achieve their goals of making a deep run and have a “season to remember.”

The Bucs will participate in a summer tournament in Harrison this Friday and Saturday, August 11-12, followed by the first official practice August 14.

Their first preseason scrimmage is August 24 at North Bergen.

Polewka said the team’s first game of the regular season will be Sept. 5 against Harrison at home under the lights at BHS Municipal Stadium.

Polewka sees a lot of promise in this year’s group, which he says has a lot of speed. He mentioned rising sophomore goalie Fernando Basantes has All-State potential.

As for his goals for the program, Powelka wants to work closely with the Recreation Department to establish a strong feeder system and to get his younger players some valuable experience.