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Here at Denville Medical, our commitment is to you and your health. We are committed to improving your quality of life by effective treatment and therapy, catered specifically to your needs. Unlike some of our competition, we take a team approach to your treatment plan working together as a unit to provide the best possible care for our patients.
It's easy to start your healing journey at Denville Medical. It all starts when you contact our office to make an appointment. From there, we set you on a course to recovery through a three-step process:
Meet the Doctor: During your initial doctor consultation, we will talk at length about what challenges you're currently facing. From there, we will speak about your goals and what you want to accomplish together. The first conversation with your doctor is crucial and lays the groundwork for a life-changing experience at Denville Medical.
Craft a Customized Treatment Plan for Your Recovery: Some medical and rehabilitation centers in New Jersey apply the same treatments to all patients, regardless of their needs and goals. At Denville Medical, we don't subscribe to the "one size fits all" model. Instead, we rely on our seasoned team of doctors and physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and specialists to find the right solution to your unique situation.
Start Feeling the Relief: Our hard work and commitment to recovery will pay off through our personalized work together. With the help of our skilled doctors and chiropractors, you can finally start living the life you want to live - all on your own terms.
At Denville Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center, we are proud to provide holistic and wellness care that changes lives. Whether your body needs Chiropractor, physical therapy, acupuncture, or needs to see a specialist, we can help.
Here are just a few of the customized therapy services we offer to help our patients live with passion and confidence:
At Denville Medical, your licensed physical therapist's goal is to maximize your body's structure and increase its overall function for long-term health. To accomplish this, our physical therapists combine traditional and innovative techniques focused on increasing muscle strength and improving the body's range of motion. Our goal is to discover the root cause of your pain or mobility problems. That way, we can address the true reason why you need physical therapy, and work towards achieving long-lasting relief.
Of course, we understand that every patient is different. Your doctor can provide expert care in an encouraging environment by creating a customized treatment plan for you using modern, evidence-based research.
Chiropractor is a common service offered at Denville Medical, often combined with our physical therapy, sports medicine, and acupuncture treatments. When delivering a whole wellness and body approach, chiropractic treatments generally focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Our chiropractor's primary focus is to aid in adjusting your body's proper structure by improving nerve function and removing imbalances.
Our goal is to work together as a team to get you maximum medical improvement. To determine which chiropractic techniques and treatments are suitable for you, our chiropractors will conduct an initial evaluation to dig deep into your medical history, previous treatments, diagnostic tests, and current conditions. During your first consultation, be sure to ask any questions you may have. Once we agree on your customized chiropractic program, we will begin treatment as soon as possible.
Our patients typically feel relief during their initial visit. Although a reduction in pain is not an indication that the condition is gone, relief is the first step. As the chiropractor adjusts and manipulates your spine and joints, many feel a sense of relief as circulation is restored. A number of our patients admit to experiencing an increased range of motion after their first visit and increased function as they continue their care.
A single migraine can ruin your entire day. Migraines stem from irregular muscle contractions in the neck and head area. Anything from loud music to a bright computer screen can trigger these painful headaches. Fortunately, your chiropractor may be able to help provide an escape from the pain without surgery or drugs. Migraine symptoms include:
After speaking with your Doctor of Chiropractic, he or she may recommend treatments like trigger point therapy, which is a neuromuscular massage. Trigger point therapy boosts blood flow and releases pressure from compressed nerves in your body.
Whether you work in an office 40 hours a week or have to lift heavy items in a warehouse, neck pain is common across all people and professions. Neck pain is debilitating and can be caused by a range of issues like poor posture, work injuries, and harmful sleeping positions. These issues often strain your neck muscles. If you notice any of these symptoms, it could be time to consult with a chiropractor:
Chiropractor helps by relieving nerve and disc pressure. These nerves and discs are located between your vertebrae. After identifying the underlying cause of your pain, your chiropractor may use a combination of treatments to provide relief.
Have you been suffering from sharp pain that shoots down your back to your lower legs? If so, you might have sciatica. Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. Sciatic pain begins when your sciatic nerve is pinched or trapped, or you have underlying conditions like spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. Symptoms of Sciatica often include:
Proper Chiropractor can relieve your pain in a gentle, natural way. Since your pain is unique, your treatment plan should be too. Therapies include ultrasounds to reduce swelling, cold therapies to minimize inflammation, and adjustments to restore your vertebrae's alignment.
Joint pain from conditions like Arthritis can strip the joy out of simple activities that we enjoy every day. Fortunately, if you're looking for a non-invasive way to ease joint pain, your chiropractor may be able to help. Great Chiropractor will maximize the functionality of your joints with techniques like ultrasounds, cold laser therapies, and joint manipulation. Usually caused by various forms of Arthritis, age, and injuries, symptoms of joint pain include:
If joint pain affects your daily life, contact a licensed chiropractor to begin treatment ASAP. Your chiropractor will develop a customized plan around your pain to address the root cause of your discomfort.
Our hips serve many functions, from bearing weight to running. Since they're engaged in just about every way we move, hip problems can have serious consequences. Like neck pain, hip pain is very common â so much so that more than 58% of Americans are living with it, according to the CDC. Hip problems are usually caused by injuries or osteoarthritis, though normal wear and tear over time is also a contributing factor. If you notice any of these symptoms, an appointment with a chiropractor may be in order:
Since any joint in the body can be misaligned, like your hip joint, working with a chiropractor could be best for long-term relief. Any joint in the body can be out of alignment, including the hip joint, and it can cause severe pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion. Treatments in your personalized plan may include chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and exercise therapy.
Your spine comprises a litany of moving parts that must work together for healthy mobility. Spinal discs are just one of these parts, which act as cushions between your vertebrae. When you have a herniated disc, the bones in your spine grind against each other, causing intense pain. Also called a slipped disc, this back problem is very common and can be caused by wear and tear with age or traumatic events like car accidents. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of a herniated disc:
After your chiropractor evaluates your spine for overall functionality, they will develop a personalized treatment plan for ongoing care. Common treatments for herniated discs include spinal manipulation techniques like flexion-distraction and therapeutic exercises.
Spinal Decompression Therapy is designed to relieve nerve compression in the spine. This gentle stretch helps relieve pressure and realign the spine in order to reduce those unbearable symptoms. In addition, once the spine is properly aligned, blood flow will increase, reducing swelling and inflammation of the problem area. This then allows the body to be more mobile, or, as a provider will say, increases your range of motion, for easier movement and functionality of the body.
Methods of Spinal Decompression Therapy include:
Keep in mind, Spinal Decompression Therapy is not for everyone. Diagnostic tests, such as an x-ray, MRI or Ct-scan are required for a proper and full examination.
At Denville Medical, we aim to serve you with long-lasting quality of life through personalized chiropractic treatments in New Jersey. The path to a pain-free life begins with a customized treatment plan tailored to your body and needs. We start with your first evaluation, where our experts dig deep into your medical history, current condition, your overall health goals and perform diagnostic tests. From there, we'll create your plan and help you hit your milestones every step of the way until your quality of life is improved.
If you're sick and tired of living with painful limitations, we're here to help you break free. No surgery. No addictive medicine. Only comprehensive Chiropractor, crafted with health and happiness in mind.
Answer : While some chiropractors rely on outdated techniques to treat patients, our team uses a combination of tried-and-true methods and modern strategies, including:
Answer : During your first visit with our physical therapist, we will complete a series of tests and screenings to establish a baseline for your care. You can expect to complete stability screenings, strength tests, and computerized range of motion tests. These tests ensure your doctor understands how your muscles are functioning. Once complete, your therapist will create a custom treatment plan for your physical therapy, so we can move forward with your care. During your time at Denville Medical, you should expect adjustments to your treatment plan as you make progress.
Answer : We get this question a lot, and we can certainly understand why. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with an exact answer because every patient has different needs relating to their injuries and issues. Your level of stability and functionality depends on your condition, your goals, and your motivation to heal. For acute pain, patients typically experience relief in 2-3 weeks. Patients with forms of chronic pain usually feel optimal results after their first full course of therapy (4-6 weeks). Since our goal is to achieve maximum medical improvement, our doctors continuously monitor your progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
If we could offer you one piece of advice, it would be not to settle for mediocre medical treatment and therapeutic options. If you're looking for a team of doctors and therapists who work together and take an interdisciplinary approach to healing, Denville Medical & Sports Rehabilitation is here for you. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your chiropractic goals and live your life, pain-free.
By DIANA [email protected] — As the academic year comes to a close on June 11, Netcong School will bid farewell to four long-time staff members who have more than 100 years of experience among them.According to Netcong principal Gina Cinotti, the decades of service put in by the retirees — first-grade teacher Valerie Becker, kindergarten teacher Diane Flaherty, music teacher...
By DIANA GOOVAERTS
NETCONG — As the academic year comes to a close on June 11, Netcong School will bid farewell to four long-time staff members who have more than 100 years of experience among them.
According to Netcong principal Gina Cinotti, the decades of service put in by the retirees — first-grade teacher Valerie Becker, kindergarten teacher Diane Flaherty, music teacher Sandra Jensen and 25-year school secretary Diane Hajtovik — are proof positive of the school's community focus.
“Years ago when people got jobs at Netcong, they stayed,” Cinotti said. “Our staff really was the constant when all the administration was changing. It really is incredible, and it is a testament to the kind of atmosphere that Netcong school is famous for.”
“When you're here it means more than just a job,” she continued. “ It's your heart and soul, it's your
family.”
Looking back
Becker, Flaherty and Jensen said they chose to stay at Netcong for as long as they did precisely because of the tight-knit, community feel Cinotti spoke of.
“I decided to stay in Netcong because of the small-school feel and how you actually get involved with the community,” said Becker, a 25-year teacher at the school. “It's just been the perfect place to be.”
“I've stayed mostly for the people,” said Flaherty, a 21-year Netcong faculty member and 31-year teaching veteran. “I love the town and I just fell in love with the kids. And I loved teaching kindergarten. There wasn't a day that someone would ask me, ‘How's your job?' that I would have something negative to say about it.”
The women said their experiences teaching at the school have left them with priceless memories.
“The best experience, and it's an all-around experience teaching kindergarten, is their honesty and their genuineness,” Flaherty said. “The things they come out with I could write a book about and become a millionaire because they're so funny. (The kids have) no boundaries at all. I could go on and on and tell you funny stories. I always have fun teaching. There's always laughter in my classroom.”
Through the course of her career, Becker said she's always enjoyed getting her students physically involved in her lessons.
“I always enjoyed teaching from themes, because as we read a story, if it's about butterflies we actually grow the butterflies, or if we're reading about bats then we actually do things with the bats,” she said. “I like and I enjoy having the hands-on element that the kids can have fun and enjoy.”
Jensen, a 35-year Netcong teaching veteran, said her favorite moments have been those when the lessons finally click with students.
“My favorite thing (about teaching) are those ‘Ah-ha!' moments when they say, ‘Oh my gosh, I can really do this,'” she said. “That kind of moment is really wonderful. You see them beaming with pride, and that's a great feeling.”
However, Jensen said her all-time favorite moment was a surprise student send-off at the school's spring concert.
“When they sang the song to me, ‘Ms. Jensen's Dynamite,' at this past concert, that just blew my mind,” Jensen said. “It was a surprise. They practiced it, unbeknownst to me, with Mrs. Barbara Dzurny. It was absolutely wonderful. I'll never forget that.”
Time to go
Perhaps partly because of precious moments like these, all three teachers said the decision to retire has been a difficult one.
“Happily, I can tell you I decided on my own,” Flaherty said. “Someone once told me you'll know when you know. If you had asked me a year ago, I would have said I have no idea when I'm going to retire. The teachers are great, everybody is great, but the atmosphere has just changed.”
“Education has taken a big hit and teachers have taken a bigger hit,” she continued. “With all of the testing and all of the requirements that teachers need to fill, they're not giving the time to the kids anymore. It's paperwork. The standards aren't a bad thing, they're a good thing, but it takes away from what I was used to.”
Jensen said she was thankful for her time at Netcong but expressed regret at having to leave before she really felt ready. Her hand, she said, was forced by a provision in the recently approved 2015-1016 budget that will reduce the music teacher position to part-time. As a result, Jensen said she would have lost her medical benefits had she not chosen to retire at the end of this year.
“It's been a wonderful job for these 35 years,” Jensen said. “I'm very lucky because I have the years in. I'm 56, and the magic number in teaching is you have to be 55 or more (to retire). I've got enough years in, but I feel I'm just too young to stop. I would have liked to have continued. But I have been very lucky.”
Though Jensen said she is sorry to leave, she said will carry fond memories of the school in her heart.
“I've had a wonderful experience teaching here at Netcong. There were a lot of rewarding moments,” she said. “I want to thank everyone for the wonderful send off they gave me at the concert and for all the gifts they've given me and love they've shown.”
“I'll always remember Netcong as a great place,” she said.
In retirement, Flaherty said she would like to work with animals or join a child assault prevention team in addition to spending time with her sons.
Jensen said she still enjoys the classroom and would be interested in looking for teaching position in a private school after an upcoming trip to France she has planned.
Becker said she would like travel around the country and see the national parks, but said she is also hoping to sail on a few riverboat cruises and take a voyage to Alaska.
“As you get older you'll find out that life is short, so I want to be able to enjoy my family and travel,” Becker said. “But it was a very difficult decision because I've loved this job. It's just been the best.”
Though the three teaching positions account for nearly a tenth of the school's 32 current faculty positions, Cinotti said the school is not planning to hire replacements in the immediate future. Next year, Cinotti said the school will transition from two classes each for second and third grade to one class each, and will also reduce music, Spanish and art classes to 75 percent time.
The option to bring art, music and Spanish back to full-time and restore two instructional staff positions will be up for the public to decide with a question on the November ballot, Cinotti said.
Diana Goovaerts also can be contacted on Twitter: @DiaGoovaertsNJH or by phone: 973-383-1194.
By LORI PRICEFor The HeraldNETCONG — Jerry's Seafood is still reeling them in.The move from Sparta to Netcong has proved to be a positive one for Jerry's Seafood Mart. Formerly located in the theater center on Woodport Road, the fishmonger has found a new home in Netcong at 81 Main St., next to the train station.For 50 years Jerry's Seafood Mart has served the communities of northwestern New Jersey. The relocation took place in October after Jerry's Seafood — a decades-old anchor store in the Sparta sh...
By LORI PRICE
For The Herald
NETCONG — Jerry's Seafood is still reeling them in.
The move from Sparta to Netcong has proved to be a positive one for Jerry's Seafood Mart. Formerly located in the theater center on Woodport Road, the fishmonger has found a new home in Netcong at 81 Main St., next to the train station.
For 50 years Jerry's Seafood Mart has served the communities of northwestern New Jersey. The relocation took place in October after Jerry's Seafood — a decades-old anchor store in the Sparta shopping area — learned their lease would not be renewed. Jerry's may have lost their lease but they did not lose their loyal customers. Orders for Christmas eve may have left the fish markets barren as customer lines were expected to extend down Main Street as shoppers wait to pick up orders and purchase last-minute items.
"We have been very, very busy. Our customers followed us here to Netcong and the Netcong-Stanhope area residents have provided us with additional new customers," said Anthony Masone, manager. "Our fish is the freshest and our prepared foods have always been popular."
Masone invites the public to come by for free samples and to see Jerry's new home. Seeing is believing but tasting will leave your taste buds wanting more. Chef Joseph Del Guidice went to the New York School of Culinary Art and has been a chef since 1969. Del Guidice is responsible for making some of Jerry's most popular dishes.
"I used to work at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco where the menu consisted of many fish dishes. One of those was salmon burgers which is now one of the specialties here at Jerry's," said Del Guidice. "The clam chowders, crab cakes, quiches, tilapia sticks, sauces and soups are also big sellers."
Scott Bowers, second owner of the store since Jerry Ambracino retired 15 years ago, has kept up with the tradition of fresh fish and customer service. Bowers shops daily at Fulton Fish Market to bring his customers safe, fresh fish every day. Jerry's staff prides themselves in their customer relations. They offer platters for any occasion and take the time to talk to customers about their purchases. Although their space for displays is limited, their selections are huge. Personalized service and quality product is what sets Jerry's Seafood aside from chain grocery and warehouse club stores.
"Customers can request just about anything. We cater to the customer's needs and go out of our way to get them what they want. Some people know exactly what they want and others need some help choosing a platter or fish," said Mastone.
Jerry's Seafood is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. To place an order in advance call 862-258-3553 or come by in person to meet the staff. Orders for New Year's Eve or New Year's day should be placed by Thursday, Dec. 29.
Gov. Phil Murphy has announced the awarding of preschool grants to three local school districts — Montague, Stillwater, and Netcong — that will enable them to begin offering 3- and 4-year-old children in their communities expanded access to free pre-kindergarten programs.Of the three local districts, Montague will receive the largest amount at $730,296, followed by Stillwater ($286,902) and Netcong ($188,230).The three districts were among 28 throughout the state that were awarded $20 million between them Tuesday as...
Gov. Phil Murphy has announced the awarding of preschool grants to three local school districts — Montague, Stillwater, and Netcong — that will enable them to begin offering 3- and 4-year-old children in their communities expanded access to free pre-kindergarten programs.
Of the three local districts, Montague will receive the largest amount at $730,296, followed by Stillwater ($286,902) and Netcong ($188,230).
The three districts were among 28 throughout the state that were awarded $20 million between them Tuesday as part of Murphy’s announced commitment to provide every 3- and 4-year-old child in New Jersey with access to a high-quality preschool program.
The aid awards follow two previous rounds of preschool funding, totaling $50 million, that were awarded to 33 districts in January including Newton ($867,954), Franklin ($349,492) and Ogdensburg ($281,952) and, before, that, to 31 districts in September 2018.
Currently, school districts in New Jersey are required to offer free pre-K to disabled and special-needs students, with many or most of them also offering a limited number of pre-K seats on a tuition basis to general education students as part of an integrated program.
An integrated preschool program is one in which children with disabilities or special needs are integrated in a classroom with typically developing children, thus providing the disabled children with models of age-appropriate behavior.
In Montague, Superintendent Timothy Capone announced at a school board meeting Tuesday that the preschool aid would enable the district to immediately begin opening up free pre-K registration to the entire community.
“It’s a benefit to the community as a whole, and is also something that is very attractive to young families who will want to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
Stillwater Superintendent William Kochis, in an email Wednesday, said his district last year had a half-day integrated pre-K program that included 12 tuition students out of a total of 31. He said the district recently switched to a full-day integrated program, which currently has 12 tuition students out of a total of 17.
The preschool aid announced Tuesday, said Kochis, will enable the expansion of the existing pre-K program from one class of 17 students to two classes of 30 students with no tuition cost to residents.
Netcong Superintendent Kate Walsh said in an email Wednesday that for the past several years, her district has operated both a disabled preschool program and an integrated program, which was offered on a tuition basis to general education students. Both were half-day programs.
“The preschool expansion aid will now allow the integrated program to become full-time integrated preschool for 15 students,” Walsh said. “The students are already enrolled and the program will go into effect on October 1 ... (and) will be free for the students participating.”
Murphy, in a press conference Tuesday in Union City, said the preschool aid will enable an additional 1,400 students throughout New Jersey to benefit from high-quality preschool programs each year on top of the 2,320 who have already benefited from the previously announced funding.
“New Jersey has long been considered a leader in early childhood education, and I am proud that we are now bringing about the greatest growth in preschool that this state has seen so far this century,” Murphy said. “Educating our children at this critical age will give them a strong start in academics and a desire to learn.”
Mike Yaple, a spokesperson for the state Department of Education, said funding for pre-K in the school districts previously awarded aid is continuing and, in some cases, is helping to fund even more expansions.
The specific funding amounts, according to Yaple, were determined by the number of full-day preschool seats available in the various communities and the total of preschool-aged children in each community who were eligible to participate.
He said 158 school districts were eligible to receive funding, with 43 of them ultimately submitting applications. Funding went to the 28 districts that scored the highest according to the state’s criteria.
Eric Obernauer can also be reached on Twitter: @EricObernNJH or by phone at 973-383-1213.
There are very few mornings and afternoons that aren't busy at Rose's Place in Netcong. Packed booths around the large windows, filled seats at the counter and crowded tables in the upper dining area are always filled with families and regular customers.Pellegrino Polo and the Polo family have been operating Rose's Place since 1990, named after Polo's mother, sister and daughter.Open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and lunch, Rose's Place has become a staple in the Netcong area."Rose's Place i...
There are very few mornings and afternoons that aren't busy at Rose's Place in Netcong. Packed booths around the large windows, filled seats at the counter and crowded tables in the upper dining area are always filled with families and regular customers.
Pellegrino Polo and the Polo family have been operating Rose's Place since 1990, named after Polo's mother, sister and daughter.
Open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and lunch, Rose's Place has become a staple in the Netcong area.
"Rose's Place is awesome. I try to go there as much as I can. My favorite is the grilled reuben," said Jason Conklin, a regular customer.
Although Polo is no stranger to operating restaurants now, he didn't start out in the food industry. Originally, he was an art teacher.
"I was 19 years old when I came over from Italy. I studied to be an art teacher, but there was no work," he said.
Polo moved to Netcong, where some of his family was already living, and took the first job he could find —sweeping floors in a restaurant in Stanhope — and worked at a second job in a pizzeria. Working two jobs was always a must for Polo, who believes that hard work will get you where you want to be.
The first restaurant he bought is located in Kenvil and is named Rose's Luncheonette. He didn't know how to run a restaurant, but learned quickly after only two weeks of training.
"When you come from another country, you come to work and make the most of it," said Polo. "I stayed in Netcong because when you stay in the same place, you hang in there and you make it work. That's what I did here."
His perseverance has certainly paid off. Every day, Polo arrives at Rose's Place at 5 a.m. and, along with his family, begins making the food fresh for the orders ahead.
One of the specialties of Rose's Place is Italian dishes. The escarole and beans, served as a daily or weekly special, are made with fresh escarole greens, navy beans, garlic and spices. Polo also makes pasties, a calzone-like pocket filled with chopped meat, onions and seasonings.
The local favorites are the Taylor ham and egg sandwich, also known as the Egg McRose ($3.50), the California omelette ($6.25), made with fresh turkey, tomatoes, avocado, bacon and cheddar, and wraps ($6.00 - $7.25), made with a choice of plain, garlic herb, honey wheat, sun-dried tomato or spinach wraps. Polo's European wrap is made with roasted eggplant, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette ($7.25). Rose's Place also offers a variety of beer and wine and has a full catering menu.
For first-time visitors, Rose's Place has a certain charm and sense of familiarity, even if you haven't been there before. Maybe it's because the waitresses know many of the customers by name, or because it's located in a nook between two roads in the heart of a smaller town in Morris County or maybe it's because you can tell this family works together to create great food.
As Polo retires from another weekend of busy cooking and serving, he reveals his favorite part of owning Rose's. He enjoys working with his family, having a place so close to his own home in Netcong and being his own boss.
"I love working for myself even though it's a lot of hours, and it's not easy but I don't have to take orders from anyone."
Got a favorite eatery to recommend? Email [email protected]
ROSE'S PLACE
Address: 4 Allen St., Netcong
Phone: 973-347-5355
Website: No
Hours: 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Owner: Pellegrino Polo
Cuisine: American breakfast, brunch and lunch with Italian specialties
Prices: Cash only. Bagels/breakfast sandwiches/baked goods/omelettes $1.00 to $6.25; deli sandwiches/club sandwiches/salad platters/wraps $6.00 to $8.25; hamburgers/hot sandwiches $3.75 to $7.25; sides & desserts $1.00 to $6.95
Delivery: No
Reservations: No
Order online: No
Catering: Yes
Occupancy: Seating for 85 to 90 patrons
Vibe: Relaxed family dining with well-rounded menu and affordable prices
NETCONG — The first call went to the home of the wrong John Giannantonio."My husband played football, too, but he’s not that John Giannantonio," said the other Mrs. Giantonio. "Of course, when he was young, he used to tell the girls he was that John Giannantonio."That John Giannantonio is 76 now, and 60 years ago this weekend, he did something no other high school football player, in New Jersey or anywhere, has ever done....
NETCONG — The first call went to the home of the wrong John Giannantonio.
"My husband played football, too, but he’s not that John Giannantonio," said the other Mrs. Giantonio. "Of course, when he was young, he used to tell the girls he was that John Giannantonio."
That John Giannantonio is 76 now, and 60 years ago this weekend, he did something no other high school football player, in New Jersey or anywhere, has ever done.
Wearing the black-and-red of Netcong High, a leather helmet with no face mask, and a pair of thin leather cleats he still has, he ran 754 yards in a game against Mountain Lakes.
"I had no idea what I did," Giannantonio said. "I just knew I was tired. After the game, my coach put his arm around me and said, ‘How do you feel?’ I said, ‘Tired.’ He said, ‘Go take a shower, you’ll feel better.’ That was it."
Sixty years later — after millions of games played by millions of boys, from the Friday night lights of Texas, Ohio and Western Pa. to the perfect-running conditions on the warm-weather fields of Florida and Southern California — no one has even come close.
A kid named Paul McCoy of Matewan, W.Va., got 658 in 2006, in a game where his coach was accused of running up the score so McCoy could break the record. No one could say that about Giannantonio’s coach, Jim McConlogue.
"Football was different in those days. We only had 11 guys," Giannantonio said. "We played both ways, kickoffs, everything. God forbid one of us got hurt."
Against Mountain Lakes, Giannantonio scored nine touchdowns in a 61-0 win. He would score nine touchdowns in a game twice more, including the 1951 Thanksgiving game with North Hunterdon.
"That was the only game my father (Costanza) ever saw me play," he said. "He was a barber, so he was busy on Saturdays. Besides, as an Italian, football didn’t mean much to him."
Jerry McCrea/The Star Ledger
If John Giannantonio played 10 years later, at the cusp of the Space Age, he may have had a nickname like Johnny Rocket, or Johnny G-Force. But in 1950, things were simple, and he was simply Johnny G.
In Netcong, where he still lives, and is a living legend, he remains Johnny G. — at the ShopRite, at St. Michael’s Church, at the barbershop and on the hilly streets where he still walks a few miles a day. He is trim and steady, and stands with the parallel feet and slightly bowed legs of an athlete. The grip of his large hands still would not be prone to fumbles.
It was on those iron-rich hills where young Johnny G. shaped himself as an athlete. Old Netcong High, which closed in the 1970s, is at the top of steep College Road, overlooking four sides of slope.
"I walked three-quarters of mile up the hill to school, then home for lunch, then back up," he said.
In Barone Park, in Netcong’s Italian section, Johnny G. and his friends would play football, and he dreamed of one day playing for Notre Dame, the team he followed on the radio.
"We didn’t have a ball. We took a bunch of rags and bundled them with elastic bands. That was our football."
Those boys grew together into a team that put together one amazing season, in which Johnny G. followed the blocks and ran into the record books.
"Louie Esposito, Joe Verdi, Ronnie Savacool, Howard Gibson, Bobby Masters, they did all the blocking. Whatever I did, it was because of those guys. Don’t get me wrong. I was fast. If I got through the line, I was gone."
The Netcong Indians, in Johnny G.’s 1950 season, played on a field at Wills Airport.
Jerry McCrea/The Star Ledger
"It’s underneath Route 80 now. Route 80 went right through it."
And so did Johnny G.
The game against Mountain Lakes was the record-setter, but his average for the season was 595.4 yards a game, also a still-standing national record. He scored 41 touchdowns in eight games — a New Jersey record that stood 58 years, until 2008, when Chris LaPierre of Shawnee scored 44 in 12.
Kevin Askeland, a national high school sports writer for MaxPreps.com (a subsidiary of CBS Sports), compiled a Top 10 of unbreakable high school records, and has Giannantonio’s season average at No. 5.
"Giannantonio could have a top 10 list all to himself," Askeland wrote.
In that season, he also gained 4,756 rushing yards in a season — almost 2½ miles. The team went undefeated and Johnny G. drew enough attention to get a scholarship offer from his beloved Notre Dame.
"Notre Dame only offered me a two-year scholarship, and Villanova offered me four, so I went to Villanova."
He played three years varsity there, traveling all over the country.
"We played at Vanderbilt, Boston College, Mississippi, Texas A&M, where Bear Bryant was the coach then, Syracuse. I had a ball."
But 1950, that was the year that defined him, and still does.
"After my grandchildren and children, I’m most proud of those records," said Giannantonio, known as Mr. G to 38 years worth of middle school students he taught in nearby Andover.
All in all, it was a remarkable season in a great career.
Most remarkable of all?
Giannantonio did it as 16-year-old sophomore who weighed 137 pounds.