On Monday mornings, the most frequently asked question last fall was, “How much did the football team lose by on Saturday?”

Well, all that ‘talk’ is about to change. After attending several football games and watching practice every day from the track, I have come to the conclusion that this year’s squad is no joke. They have several ‘superstars’ – CC Bowles, Tyler Jones, Luke Edwards, Nick Priscoe, and newcomer Stephon Cooper, just to name a few.

The guys aren’t all that makes the team so dominant. They play well together and cooperate easily. Many people attribute the Bulldog’s so-far successful season to the new head coach, Bob Ulmer.

Mr. Ulmer says, “It has nothing to do with me; it’s the kids. They have a lot more spirit, heart, and dedication than I’ve seen on a Metuchen football squad in quite some time. That plus the fact I run their butts off in practice every day.”

The Bulldogs have suffered from a lack of players in the past. This year, that’s not the case. They have an array of talented people, even as one looks into the second and third-string players. For example, take the quarterback(s). Nick Priscoe and Tyler Jones share QB responsibilities and are both excellent at their positions.

Depth: the one thing the Bulldog’s coaching staff has agreed upon as one of the reasons the team has been successful, thus far. MHS’s previous records have soiled other teams’ opinions of our Bulldogs. Many teams have taken them rather lightly, but Metuchen has showed them what they can play. JFK and Middlesex saw that the Bulldog’s were for real. MHS’s squad proved it by beating them with quality, agile football.

As the season progresses, the Bulldogs hope to add more teams to the list. Good luck to Mr. Ulmer, the other coaches, and the players in the upcoming weeks. “You just gotta do what you gotta do…”

Every day, in every sport, ordinary people make extraordinary plays. They range from a key save in a soccer game, to an 80-yard interception, to a course record at a cross-country meet. The great accomplishments never turn up in box scores; however, they can be the turning point for the athlete, team, and at times, even the school. I’ve spoken with all the coaches, and they have given me some great plays made by various athletes.

I have arrived at this conclusion…The Bulldog’s Bark is proud to announce this edition’s winner of the first ever “Athlete of the Month.” (Drum roll, please):

CC Bowles—for his 5n5 sack game against Middlesex High School at Edgar Field - Congratulations CC! CC also received the title of Tri-State Area Defensive Player of the Week for his feat.

With the life motto of “Take each day as if it were your last,” it is no wonder that Tara Collery is this year’s first senior superlative. She could also be called one of MHS’s finest volunteers. Tara is the president of Key Club, which is a working service club. Key Club recently spearheaded a collection drive for the September 11 tragedy. Out of school, Tara gives her time at the YMCA, where she helps to coach special needs students for the Special Olympics.

Simply stated, Tara says, “I like to help others.” Tara is president of her church youth group that she has directed toward many philanthropic endeavors. She also volunteers at the Roosevelt Care Center.

Tara participates on the MHS swim team and is a certified lifeguard/instructor. She is planning to pursue a career in elementary education. Hats off to you, Tara!