Since former boys’ basketball coach Brandon Hall is an assistant coach at Seton Hall, Coach Jose Rodriguez stepped in as Colonia High School’s new head coach for the boys’ basketball team.
There are so many different things that led him to take on the role as the new head basketball coach. To start, he is very familiar with Colonia High School and its reputable tradition since he’s from around the area. Knowing people from the community, he felt comfortable.
Rodriguez previously was the head coach at Plainfield for the past two years. According to My Central New Jersey, Rodriguez started his coaching career as an assistant basketball coach at Cateret and worked his way up to the head coaching position. Later, he became the head assistant boys’ basketball coach at St. Joe’s in Metuchen under Dave Turco.
So far he enjoys coaching. “It’s been a pleasure to coach these dedicated athletes.”
Many believe that he has expectations to live up to from past seasons, but he wants to set his own and have a successful season. Last season the Patriots had a record of 17-10, went on to the Greater Middlesex Conference finals at the RAC and advanced to the NJSIAA North 2 Group III semifinals.
When asked how he felt towards this year’s group, Rodriguez said, “we have a really nice and unique group of kids, especially the seniors.” This years group of seniors are expected to show leadership qualities for the underclassmen.
With this year’s season approaching, Rodriguez has been training the athletes and pushing them to do their best. Freshman Matthew Scherb said, “He pushes me to do better.” Other students have also said that he has been pushing them to exceed their limits to help form them into the basketball players they wish to be.
After facing the defeating loss and falling short last year of a title, it was a definite confidence destroyer. Making it to states last season adds more pressure to the new coach and players. This year’s seniors are sure to try their hardest and accomplish what they couldn’t last year. Senior Tommy Mitch said, “this seasons goals are to win county championship and make it to states.”
A common goal this year for members of the basketball team is to win the state championship. The Patriots open their season on December 14 against Scotch Plains-Fanwood at 7 P.M.
