West Orange Athletic Hall of Fame holds 2021 induction

WEST ORANGE, NJ — In a sentimental ceremony, eight outstanding West Orange athletes and coaches and the 2003 West Orange High School boys soccer team were inducted into the West Orange Athletic Hall of Fame at the Wilshire Grand Hotel on Oct. 14.

The event brought together past and present athletes, their families, and community members to celebrate the accomplishments of those who helped to lay the foundation for the continuing success of athletics in West Orange and the sense of pride that comes with it.

In an emotional moment, Hall of Fame co-President Lou Della Pia stated that the coaches award, previously named for Lefty Boland, would become the Joe Suriano Coaches Award. WOHS beloved and legendary track-and-field coach Joe Suriano passed away from complications due to COVID-19 in April 2020.

Current Hall of Fame members were also in attendance to support the 2021 inductees.

The following individuals and teams were inducted:

Peter Feinblatt, Class of 1982, presented by Robert Parisi, mayor

Peter was a Mountain High School graduate of 1982, where he spent his athletic career playing baseball and football. He played baseball for three of his high school years as the center fielder and was a three-year varsity captain, all-Oranges, all–Essex County and all-state Group 2 player. As quarterback for the Mountaineers, he was one of the preseason top 10 Players to Watch and received an all-Oranges honorable mention. Peter attended Seton Hall University to play baseball. Feinblatt has worked at Hackensack University Medical Center for 18 years and still resides in West Orange.

Troy Henderson, Class of 1989, presented by Arthur Ehrhardt, brother

Troy was a West Orange High School Class of 1989 graduate whose wrestling career lasted from 1986 to 1989. He was the district and regional champion in his senior year with 19 pins. He attended college at the University of Arizona and Kean University, where he received a master’s degree in education leadership. He currently coaches for the West Orange Recreational Wrestling program and is the principal of Pinelands Regional High School. He lives in Manahawkin with his wife, Tammi, and their two sons, Alex and Jake. Troy would like to extend his appreciation for the guidance and support from his coach, the late Timothy Groves. Timmy was his biggest advocate and supporter.

Ryan McPherson, Class of 2005, presented by Mike Fess, coach

Ryan graduated from WOHS in 2005, where he excelled as an accomplished basketball player who received all-conference and all-county recognition. He still holds the record of the most 3-pointers in a game, with eight, and was the Essex–Hudson all-star 3-point champion. McPherson also played baseball, making both all-county and all-conference teams. His stats include the most hits in a single season, 45, and a .500 batting average as a senior. He continued his basketball career at Fairleigh Dickinson University and was inducted into their hall of fame in 2015. He was named the Maddy Mae Male Athlete of the Year and was a two-time MVP. He ranks fourth in all-time 3-pointers. Ryan is a firefighter for the West Orange Fire Department.

Dave Joisil, Class of 2007, presented by Stephan Zichella, coach

Dave graduated from West Orange High School in 2007 and was an avid wrestler for all four years. He captured county and district championships. He attended college at William Paterson University, where he earned a degree in physical education, and worked as a physical education teacher and assistant wrestling coach in the West Orange School District for more than seven years.

Gwendolyn Abreu, Class of 2009, presented by Kimberly Wilson, coach

Gwen graduated from West Orange High School in 2009. She was an accomplished basketball player and was named first team all-conference for two consecutive seasons and the holiday tournament MVP for two consecutive years, and received the Most Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year for the 2008-2009 season. Abreu was part of the elite 1,000-point club, finishing her WOHS career with 1,364 points. She went on to attend East Stroudsburg University and Montclair State. Gwen has been a kindergarten teacher for the last seven years and has coached AAU basketball in Millburn for six. With a passion for children and basketball, Abreu is able to teach life lessons and mentor her players, providing a coach’s perspective. Just as she looked up to her coaches, she hopes to leave the same impact on the youth she now serves.

Anthony Casalino, Class of 2009, presented by John Jacob, coach

Anthony graduated from West Orange High School in 2009 after an incredible football career. He was the starting quarterback for all four years and broke several school records. In his senior year, he led the team to its second playoff berth/home playoff game in more than three years. After graduation, he attended Muhlenberg College and double majored in business and finance while playing football for several seasons. He currently lives in Verona with his girlfriend, Gabrielle, and dog, Oscar. He enjoys playing golf, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Louis and Joseph DePasquale, presented by Andrew Mazurek

Lefty Boland Award

Joe and Lou DePasquale have impacted West Orange sports on every level and have devoted themselves to the West Orange Police Athletic League since 1981. Joe graduated from West Orange Mountain High School in 1981 and Lou graduated from Mountain High School in 1984. In 1995, they were appointed to the WOPAL board of directors, where Joe has served as director for more than 10 years and Lou as treasurer. They are still coaching as they enter their 40th year with WOPAL, helping to run an organization consisting of close to 500 kids in three sports, including cheerleading, leading the football and baseball programs. The DePasquales have also volunteered at the West Orange High School wrestling and football snack bar for years. Joe’s family includes his wife, Mary; his children, Joseph, Dominic, Olivia, and her fiance, Mike. His son Joseph and his wife, Luciann, have one daughter, Mia Dominic. Both Lou and Joe still reside in West Orange. 

Team Induction, 2003 WOHS boys soccer team, presented by Doug Nevins, coach

The 2003 boys soccer team compiled a then school record of 22 wins and went 22-2-2 in the season. They won West Orange High School’s first-ever Essex County Tournament title and first-ever North 1, Group 4, sectional title. They were led by captains Kyle Perdelwitz, Danny Siconolfi, Joe Tutalo and Matt Murphy. In the state tournament, they defeated Livingston in the first round, 4-2; Morristown in the second round, 4-3, in overtime; Emerson of Union City, 2-1, on PKs; and Clifton, 2-1, in the finals. They were ranked in the top 20 in New Jersey the entire season, ranking as high as fifth and finishing the season as 10th.

Photos Courtesy of WOSD

  West Orange Athletic Hall of Fame