Matt Paknis Training and Development, Inc.

Building Teams & Leaders Since 1991

521 Delano Road, Marion, Massachusetts 02738
(508) 748 – 1964, cellular 508-292-7044, fax (508) 748 – 2014
Please visit our website / email us at: www.mattpaknis.com
August 28, 2010

Sean Downling
Director of Athletics
Madison High School
Ridgedale Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940

Re: September 9th, 2010 MHS Football Halftime Announcement

Request

Dear Mr. Dowling:

Congratulations on Madison’s current athletic successes. It’s great to

see Madison continuing with its impressive history of athletic
excellence.

The class of 1980 is gathering for its 30th reunion on September 11th
and many will be attending the Dodgers’ football game vs. Wallkill
Valley.

This season marks the 30th anniversary of our being ranked, by the
Newark Star Ledger, as NJ’s top high school football team. We
appreciate your consideration in permitting the below, or an edited
version of the below, public announcement during half time.

Below please find a proposed:

1) Star Ledger Trophy Recipients 30th Anniversary Half Time

Announcement:

Dodger fans, please direct your attention to the end-zone of Monica

Field where a very special group is assembling.

Today, The Madison High School Football Dodgers are celebrating their
30th anniversary of receiving the Newark Star Ledger Trophy,
recognizing NJ’s top ranked High School Football Team. To this day,
this 1979 Football Dodger Team represents the only NJ Group II sized
school to achieve this accomplishment.

This group of seniors, coached by legendary Hall of Famer Ted Monica,

and assistant coaches Jack Francis, Al Kluck, Bubby Falco, Ralph Sapio,
Bill Malta, and Jack Riley accomplished a perfect, 33-0-0, record during
their three year varsity football careers with respective 3rd, 2nd, and 1st
place rankings in Star Ledger’s final 1977, 1978, and 1979 polls.
In addition, these seniors were on teams who won three consecutive
Group II, Section II State, Morris County, and Suburban Conference
Championships. They never experienced a high school varsity loss.

Matt Paknis Training and Development, Inc.

Building Teams & Leaders Since 1991
521 Delano Road, Marion, Massachusetts 02738
(508) 748 – 1964, cellular 508-292-7044, fax (508) 748 – 2014
Please visit our website / email us at: www.mattpaknis.com

We’d like to recognize some of these players, who assembled here

today for their thirtieth graduation reunion.

Captain and All State Linebacker / Tight End John Dagon, (Day gun)
Captain, Quarterback, and record setting Kicker Mark Monica,
Captain and Receiver / Safety Peter O’Donnell,
Captain, All State Offensive / Defensive Tackle and three year starter Matt
Paknis, (Pack ness)
The County’s Leading Rusher and Scorer / Free Safety Steve Doherty,
Defensive Back / Receiver Bobby Pooler whose critical interceptions led
to victories over New Providence and Orange,
Monster Back Sean McGrath,
Center Dave Dante, (Dahn Tay)
Guard Bill Michel, (Mih shell)
Guard Dave Piano,
Receiver and Special Teams Ace Paul Gaudio, (Gow dee o)
Running Back Dan McCullough (Mc cull ah)
Receiver Stephen Plevyak (Pleh vee akk)

Let’s have a big Twombley Stadium round of applause for the 1979
Madison Dodger Seniors Who, like Hoosiers, committed, toiled,
dreamed, and sacrificed to accomplish something no comparably sized
school has yet to experience!

Thanks for your consideration Mr. Dowling.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Sincerely,
Matthew B. Paknis (#77)

1979 Star Ledger Trophy Recipients, The Madison Dodgers, NJ’s

Topped Ranked High School Football Team
1979 Madison Dodger Seniors:
Top (Left to Right): Dan McCollough, Bill Michel, Dave Piano, Stephen Plevyak, Mark Monica,
Peter O’Donnell,
Bottom (L to R): Bobby Pooler, Steve Doherty, Matt Paknis, Dave Dante, John Dagon, Paul
Gaudio, Sean McGrath