TRT-Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Palisades Park, NJ.
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Reclaim Your Youth and Vitality with TRT in Palisades Park, NJ
It can be hard to hear for some, but getting older is just part of life. For many men, hitting a certain age signifies the beginning of a new chapter - where bucket list items are crossed off, and goals are accomplished. For others, however, aging is a scary prospect, filled with nagging injuries, embarrassing weight gain, and inability to perform intimately. Few things feel worse than realizing that you simply can't perform as you used to, whether on the basketball court or in the bedroom.
The reality is, as men get older and approach middle age, their testosterone levels drop. When a male's testosterone levels get lower, it can cause a slew of unwanted symptoms like:
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms and feel like you're just dragging yourself through life, don't lose hope. Many men around the country are experiencing the same feelings as you. Thankfully, you don't have to settle for the side effects of low testosterone. There are proven, easy steps that you can take to reverse the negative signs of aging. If you're ready to reclaim your youth and feel like you did in your 20s and 30s, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be the perfect solution.
TRT bridges the gap between your old life and the happier, more vibrant version of you. That's where Juventee comes in - to facilitate your transition to a more youthful, fulfilling life and a brighter future. After all, aren't YOU supposed to be in charge of your wellness and health? With the Juventee team by your side, you'll have the tools to do so - backed by a personalized plan crafted by experts with more than 20 years of experience.
The Juventee Difference
At Juventee, we propose a preventive and proactive medical approach to preserve optimal body function, with the best hormonal functioning to prolong vitality and youthfulness. Our specialty is Age Management, which is based on the belief that balance is the key to wellness. We employ the most innovative science, offering treatments like TRT in Palisades Park, NJ, and other clinical products with proven efficacy.
Living a younger, healthier, and longer life is a frequent commitment for Juventee's team of specialists. We are experts at designing customized programs that work synergistically with your body and brain. We love incorporating smart nutrition, hormonal balance, exercise, stress management, cognitive health, and lifestyle changes into our treatment programs. We also implement sciences such as testosterone replacement therapy to achieve verifiable, legitimate results.
Our doctors take differing approaches to care but share the single goal of prolonging your youth and vitality. With that goal in mind, Juventee was born from the hands of its partners, who want you to feel full strength, energy, joy, confidence, and wellbeing.
testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
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What is Testosterone?
What pops up in your head when you think about testosterone? Many people associate testosterone with being overly aggressive, macho, and violent. However, the truth is that testosterone is a critical hormone for men and affects the male lifespan from puberty through old age. As a sex hormone, male testosterone is produced through the testicles. It becomes most prevalent during puberty.
Testosterone production is controlled by the pituitary gland at the base of a man's brain. This gland sends signals to the testes, which in turn produce testosterone. A feedback loop helps regulate the amount of testosterone in the blood. When levels are too high, the brain orders the pituitary gland to restrict production.
Did You Know?
Cholesterol synthesizes the testosterone in your body. However, having high cholesterol doesn't mean you have high testosterone levels, too. T levels are too carefully controlled by your pituitary gland for cholesterol to raise testosterone levels.
During puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
- Body Hair
- Facial Hair
- Muscle Strength
- Increased Libido
- Deeper Voice
- Muscle Density
- Sperm
What is TRT in Palisades Park, NJ?
Testosterone replacement is exactly what its name implies. It's a therapy for men that replaces diminished testosterone levels, which helps balance your hormones and ultimately improves your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates many of the side effects that men suffer from as a result of low testosterone.
Testosterone was originally synthesized in a lab in 1935. Its popularity has grown since, and today, it is among the most promising doctor-prescribed treatments for men in the United States.
So, how does testosterone replacement therapy work? TRT essentially gives you the testosterone needed to be healthy and have a properly functioning body. As the primary androgen for males, testosterone has a role in the natural processes your body needs for overall health. This extra hormonal intake positively affects patients and their general health, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiac diseases, and more.
Though there is an abundance of testosterone in your system throughout puberty and into your 20s, it gradually depletes with age. Sometimes, serious injuries and long-term conditions like diabetes affect testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
Common Signs of Low Testosterone
Though some symptoms of low T are abundantly evident, not all men can immediately tell they may need TRT. If you're unsure, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you usually a productive powerhouse but now feel like you lack drive and motivation?
- Have you had a normal sex life in the past but now find that you're losing the ability to be intimate?
- Are you usually calm and collected, but your partner is complaining about your irritability?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it could be time to contact Juventee about a personalized TRT plan. Still unsure if you're experiencing symptoms of low T? We have compiled a more extensive list of signs below:
Decreased Energy
Low energy used to be considered a normal part of aging. Today, most doctors know better. Modern advances in medicine show that lack of energy and low T often go hand-in-hand.
If it's a huge struggle to keep up with your kids on the soccer field, or you just don't have the energy to be active, you may have low testosterone. Getting tired is normal, but if it's an ongoing problem affecting you and your family, it's time to consult a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish normal activities, TRT in Palisades Park, NJ could be the solution.
Lowered Libido
You would think that lowered libido would be easy to pick up on, but when it happens gradually, it can be more difficult to diagnose. With that said, many men use TRT because they've lost that "spark" in the bedroom. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not pleasing their partner because intimacy is an important part of a relationship.
The good news? Having a low libido doesn't have to be permanent. TRT treatments can help revert hormone levels to their normal range, making for a more enjoyable sex life.
Hair Loss
If you're like millions of other men, hair loss is an unfortunate reality you don't want to think about. Closely related to hormone imbalances and testosterone decline, hair loss is about as distressing as it gets. This common symptom is often related to DHT - a derivative of testosterone that can cause hair follicles to die.
Thankfully, a carefully monitored TRT regimen can help restore hair, especially when combined with methods like plasma-rich therapy. While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone in your body, so hair loss isn't your only reality.
Inability to Achieve and Maintain Erections
Weak erections - it's an uncomfortable subject for men to talk about. It's even worse to experience the symptom in the heat of the moment. Despite being very common, men shame themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while there are many reasons for this malady, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, you don't have to live with weak erections forever when you balance your hormones with a personalized TRT treatment plan from Juventee.
Depression
You're feeling down about everything and can't figure out why you feel crummy about life. You're successful at work but feel unaccomplished. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed - and it could be stemming from low testosterone.
Studies show that men with depression and high cortisol levels also commonly have low testosterone. Because higher cortisol levels can lead to low T, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option, when used in conjunction with therapy, is TRT. When TRT is used to replenish hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more optimistic mood. That's great news for depressed men who have had little-to-no success with powerful anti-depression meds.
Lack of Sleep
Experts have found that men who lose a week's worth of sleep may experience a drop in testosterone by as much as 15%. These findings are alarming and may suggest that sleep loss lowers T levels and affects wellbeing.
If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, it could be time to have your testosterone levels checked. TRT may restore your testosterone levels which can help you sleep better with proper exercise and diet.
Loss of Strength and Muscle Mass
Are you struggling to lift weights in the gym or find that you can't pick up items that used to be easy to lift? Studies show that inactive men can lose .5% of muscle strength each year after the age of 25. When you hit 60, muscle loss doubles every ten years. While muscle loss is common with age, it can also be linked to low T.
Testosterone is a crucial piece needed for building and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors are prescribing TRT for males experiencing sharp declines in strength and muscle mass. Whether your workouts are losing steam or you're having problems lifting items that aren't very heavy, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
Weight Gain
Nobody likes to gain weight, even though our society is more accepting of overweight people than ever before. Despite diets and carb cutting, many men aren't able to get rid of excess belly and body fat, increasing the chances of heart disease and cancer.
Sometimes, male weight gain isn't caused by sweets and carbs but by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism. This phase of life is called andropause and occurs when testosterone levels are low. Combining a low metabolism with other symptoms like high cortisol levels can be a recipe for a double-chinned disaster. Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
Gynecomastia
The enlargement of male breast tissue, also called "man boobs," is a fairly common condition that many men have. Though it is closely associated with diet and other life choices, increased fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances.
If you're approaching middle age and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Be the Best Version of Yourself with TRT in Palisades Park, NJ
The human body is amazing in so many ways. Still, we have to optimize it every now and then using science, medicine, and hard work. After 40, you may notice that your body is changing, but symptoms like low libido and lack of motivation don't have to be permanent. Juventee has the team, tools, and experience to help recapture your youth and feel better than ever before.
If you're getting older and you're worried about low testosterone, give our office a call today. It would be our pleasure to care for you using the highest quality products, backed by research and applied by professionals with your best interests in mind.
Whether you need a boost to help you get through your busy work week or a natural solution to an embarrassing problem like ED, we're here for you. Our doctors will explain your treatment options in-depth and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable and confident about TRT. Remember, when you treat your body with love and care, it will reciprocate generously. Let our team teach you the techniques to prolong your sense of youth and provide you with the treatment to solidify your wellbeing as you age with grace. Contact Juventee today. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to meeting the best version of yourself.
Latest News in Palisades Park, NJ
COVID closed this popular NJ bakery, now it’s coming back
Jeff Deminskihttps://nj1015.com/covid-closed-this-popular-nj-bakery-now-its-coming-back/
For people in Palisades Park this Facebook post was a sight for sore eyes.It’s official! We are so excited to announce that Palisades Park Bakery is finally re-opening next month, July 2023! We will have returning staff including our bakers and other team members. Following recent renovations, there will also be an indoor seating area for customers to enjoy. We look forward to seeing everyone soon! Stay tuned for more updates! ?? #palisadespark #bakery #cafe #cake #coffeePalisades Park Bakery was ...
For people in Palisades Park this Facebook post was a sight for sore eyes.
It’s official! We are so excited to announce that Palisades Park Bakery is finally re-opening next month, July 2023! We will have returning staff including our bakers and other team members. Following recent renovations, there will also be an indoor seating area for customers to enjoy. We look forward to seeing everyone soon! Stay tuned for more updates! ?? #palisadespark #bakery #cafe #cake #coffee
Palisades Park Bakery was among the thousands of businesses that fell victim to the pandemic. They fought their way through spring and summer of 2020 then regretfully closed in September of that year for what they hoped would be a short temporary hiatus.
It was longer than anyone wanted and certainly much longer than their fans wanted.
Their Facebook page sort of tells the story. The posts before the one announcing their comeback were both dated June 10 of this year announcing updates.
But the one before that goes all the way back to March 17, 2020, frozen there in time right before the pandemic shut down the state.
The news of their reopening was well-received by customers.
“Omg! This is the best news ever! Love, love, love ?????? Palisades Park Bakery! Woohoo!“
“The BEST news I have heard in AGES!! This just made my day!! Maybe my month!! SO excited!!! Welcome back!! Been WAY too long!!!”
“OMG!!! Best news ever!!!! I miss your pecan danish ring with custard and your St. Joseph day pastries!!! Can’t wait!! ”
Sounds like there just might be a line out the door.
While an exact date for a grand reopening isn’t announced it should happen sometime this month. Palisades Park Bakery is at 325 Broad Ave. in, obviously, Palisades Park.
While we’re waiting for the day here’s a quick look to make you hungry.
@palisadesparkbakery via Instagram
@palisadesparkbakery via Instagram
Red velvet cupcakes to die for
They’ve got you covered for Halloween…
Thanksgiving…
Christmas…
and beyond
And of course special occasions
Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski only.
You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.
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‘Come on over!’ Palisades Amusement Park faded into history
Marvin Scotthttps://pix11.com/news/local-news/new-jersey/come-on-over-palisades-amusement-park-faded-into-history/
NEW JERSEY (PIX11) — Amusement parks boast something for kids of all ages, from exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters. Coney Island and Playland in Westchester have offered thrilling attractions for decades.But before that, there was the granddaddy of amusement parks that have since faded into history. The popular commercial from the 60s proclaimed, “Palisades has the rides, Palisades has the fun, come on over.”That was the clarion call for millions who made the pilgrimage to Palisades Amusement ...
NEW JERSEY (PIX11) — Amusement parks boast something for kids of all ages, from exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters. Coney Island and Playland in Westchester have offered thrilling attractions for decades.
But before that, there was the granddaddy of amusement parks that have since faded into history. The popular commercial from the 60s proclaimed, “Palisades has the rides, Palisades has the fun, come on over.”
That was the clarion call for millions who made the pilgrimage to Palisades Amusement Park high above the Hudson River, straddling 38 acres of magic along Fort Lee and Cliffside Park. Since the turn of the century, it was transformed from a picnic grove to become a catalyst for one of the greatest outdoor attractions of the century.
Gene Focarelli was 15 when he worked summers at the park. He remembers those days well.
“There was no other place on earth like Palisades Amusement Park,” he said. “Everybody was there, the friends, the people, everybody was there for one purpose, to have a great time.”
There was the iconic cyclone roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, the musical carousel, the colorful midway, and the shows, but radio personality Bruce Morrow, Cousin Brucie to his fans, who did his broadcasts from the park, said it was more.
“People and Palisades Park, that’s where the magic was. We literally learned to get along with each other,” he reflected.
Vincent Gargiulo, the park historian, produced the book about the park titled, “Palisades Amusement Park–A Century of Fond Memories.”
“It was just a fun, safe environment for folks to bring a family,” Gargiulo said.
Gargiulo oversees an exhibit at the Mahwah Museum, which includes a miniature model of the park.
Years before inflation, it didn’t cost an arm and a leg for a fun day at the park.
“The cost to enter the park was dirt cheap. You could get a hot dog for a quarter or lemonade for a quarter. I think admission was 35 cents,” according to Gargiulo.
Competing with attractions at Coney Island, Palisades added a saltwater pool promoted as the world’s largest outdoor saltwater pool. It attracted even larger crowds. The park gained national prominence in 1962 with the release of the song “Palisades Park” by Freddy Cannon. It was rated number three on the National Billboard Chart.
Palisades Amusement Park was called the beauty pageant capital of the world. There was the Miss American Teenager and the Little Miss America Pageants, both televised on PIX11 and the Clay Cole show for five years. The Rolling Stones had one of their first public appearances on his program.
Cousin Brucie introduced his share of celebrities, including a young Tony Orlando.
“I was 16 years old, my mom, my entire family was out there among thousands of people at the one and only Palisades Park. That’s a memory that will never fade,” he said.
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Tony Bennett joined Cousin Brucie, who insisted, against his wishes, that he lip-synch his most popular song
“We start playing his record,” Morrow remembered. “We had old equipment. I left my heart in San Francisco, cisco, cisco, cisco. Tony Bennett freaked out. He never forgave me.”
But the music to the ears of the adventurous was the sound of the terrifying Cyclone roller coaster.
“You hear the click, click click and silence to the top and let loose, and they come screaming all the way down,” Gene Focarellli remembered.
The park became so popular that Fort Lee and Cliffside Park communities could no longer handle the onslaught of traffic, and in 1971, the area was rezoned for high-rise development. The park fell beneath the wrecking ball, and behemoth buildings now fill the void. What was here is remembered in a small patch of land with a memorial plaque dedicated to the “men and women who played at Palisade Amusement Park.”
More than half a century after its demise, Palisades Amusement Park remains an iconic part of American pop culture.
It’s immortalized in film, in music, and a Broadway musical is said to be in the works. Above all, the magic of the park is emblazoned in the minds of the generations of people who responded to the beckoned call: “COME ON OVER!”
Who is the rightful Palisades Park council member? Hearing to decide
Kristie Cattafihttps://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/palisades-park/2023/02/18/hearing-to-choose-rightful-palisades-park-council-member-to-continue/69915564007/
PALISADES PARK — A court hearing to determine who is the rightful council person after two people were sworn in for one vacant seat will continue later this month.The center of a legal battle is timelines for who is allowed to make the decision on the vacant seat: the Democratic County Committee or th...
PALISADES PARK — A court hearing to determine who is the rightful council person after two people were sworn in for one vacant seat will continue later this month.
The center of a legal battle is timelines for who is allowed to make the decision on the vacant seat: the Democratic County Committee or the majority of the council.
A council vacancy was created when Democratic Councilman Chong "Paul" Kim won a mayoral election in November 2022.
At the Jan. 3 reorganization meeting, Palisades Park Democratic County Committee Chair James Rotundo said he submitted a letter to the mayor and council and read out loud during the public meeting the names of the three people submitted to fill the seat: himself, Suk Min and Arlene Star.
Three council members believe the Democratic County Committee actions are void because a letter submitting the three names for consideration was dated Dec. 28, 2022, before Kim officially resigned from his council seat. Based on timelines and advice from the special counsel on Jan. 31 they voted and swore in Democratic former Councilman Andy Min, who was not on the list of recommendations to fill the seat.
The Democratic County Committee believes the council did not act properly, and the committee swore in Suk Min to fill the council seat the next day.
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Andy Min was sworn into office on Jan. 31. The next day, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs LLC filed a complaint in state Superior Court on behalf of Council president Cynthia Pirrera, Stephani Jang, Jae Park and the Borough Council naming Mayor Kim, Councilman Jason Kim, Councilman Michael Vietri and the Democratic County Committee of Palisades Park as defendants.
That same day, the Democratic committee met to fill the vacancy, stating that the Borough Council had failed to act on the list of submitted names within 30 days. Suk Min was selected and immediately sworn into office, according to court documents.
A hearing to show cause took place on Feb. 16 in front of State Superior Court Judge Peter Geiger. During the hearing, Mayor Chong "Paul" Kim, borough administrator Dave Lorenzo and Palisades Park County Committee Chair James Rotundo gave testimony, according to Scott Salmon, of Jardim, Meisner & Susser, P.C., the attorney representing Mayor Kim, Councilman Jason Kim, Councilman Michael Vietri and the Democratic County Committee of Palisades Park.
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The hearing will continue on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. the same day the next scheduled Palisades Park Council meeting will take place.
"We're pleased how the testimony went," Salmon said. "We think it became obvious from the testimony of all witnesses that the Democratic Committee tried to provide a list of names and members of the council tried to play political games with that list. We hope the judge can come to a quick decision so they can go on with conducting borough business like they are supposed to."
Attorney Matthew J. Giacobbe for Pirrera, Jang, and Park said subpoenas went out Friday for text messages and emails between Lorenzo Mayor Kim and councilmen Kim and Vietri regarding the cancelation of the Jan. 31 council meeting. Giacobbe said he is also looking forward to questioning Vietri and Kim at the hearing.
Giacobbe said their position is two-fold as the list of Democratic candidates provided by the committee was created when no vacancy existed and the mayor's cancellation of the Jan. 31 meeting and efforts to "thwart a quorum" are contrary to law and the duties of an elected official.
"We are, and my clients are, very pleased with the way the hearing went and the argument we are advancing," Giacobbe said. "We are confident in the outcome and looking forward to the additional testimony to bolster our case."
Judge has decided on who will fill Palisades Park's vacant council seat
Kristie Cattafihttps://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/palisades-park/2023/02/27/palisades-park-nj-council-seat-vacancy-judge-decision-suk-min/69951315007/
PALISADES PARK — A judge has sided with the Democratic County Committee, ultimately deciding it swore in the rightful council person to a vacant seat.A council vacancy was created when Democratic Councilman Chong "Paul" Kim won a mayoral election in November 2022. The center of the legal battle was...
PALISADES PARK — A judge has sided with the Democratic County Committee, ultimately deciding it swore in the rightful council person to a vacant seat.
A council vacancy was created when Democratic Councilman Chong "Paul" Kim won a mayoral election in November 2022. The center of the legal battle was timelines for who was allowed to make the final decision on the vacancy: the Democratic County Committee or three members of the council.
State Superior Court Judge Peter Geiger ruled for the committee just hours before Monday night's Borough Council meeting.
The decision was a "complete and total victory," said Scott Salmon of Jardim, Meisner & Susser, the attorney representing Mayor Kim, Councilman Jason Kim, Councilman Michael Vietri and the Democratic County Committee of Palisades Park.
Suk Min, the resident whom the Palisades Park Democratic County Committee selected to fill the vacant seat, sat in his rightful place at Monday's meeting, Salmon said.
Attorney Matthew J. Giacobbe, representing council President Cynthia Pirrera and members Stephanie Jang and Jae Park, did not immediately return calls for comment.
"The judge believed the mayor and the Democratic committee acted properly in how they created the list and how they presented it," Salmon said. "When council members met on Jan. 31, they did not have a quorum, and appointing someone not on the list, they acted improperly."
Salmon said his clients will wait to see if the other side files an appeal but that the council could conduct business as normal Monday night.
Palisades Park Democratic County Committee Chair James Rotundo said he was always confident that the committee acted properly.
"I'm glad it's over and the judge saw through everything," Rotundo said. "I'm glad we are now moving forward. Palisades Park needs to move forward and get business done."
How we got here
At the Jan. 3 reorganization meeting, Rotundo said, he submitted a letter to the mayor and council and read out loud during the public meeting the names of the three people submitted to fill the seat: himself, Suk Min and Arlene Star.
Three council members believe the Democratic County Committee actions are void because a letter submitting the three names for consideration was dated Dec. 28, 2022, before Kim officially resigned from his council seat. Based on timelines and advice from the special counsel on Jan. 31 they voted and swore in Democratic former Councilman Andy Min, who was not on the list of recommendations to fill the seat.
The Democratic County Committee said the council did not act properly, and the committee swore in Suk Min to fill the council seat the next day.
Min was sworn into office on Jan. 31. The next day, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs LLC filed a complaint in state Superior Court on behalf of Pirrera, Jang, Park and the Borough Council naming Mayor Kim, Councilman Kim, Vietri and the Democratic County Committee of Palisades Park as defendants.
The Democratic committee then met to fill the vacancy, stating that the Borough Council had failed to act on the list of submitted names within 30 days. Suk Min was selected and immediately sworn into office, according to court documents.
27-year-old hired as new Palisades Park/Leonia football coach
Darren Cooperhttps://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2023/02/15/jon-koonce-hired-as-new-palisades-parkleonia-football-coach/69906683007/
Former Montclair State assistant Jon Koonce has been named new head football coach for the Palisades Park/Leonia co-op program.The 27-year-old Cliffside Park native was approved by the Palisades Park Board of Education on Wednesday night. He takes over for T.J. Kroncke, who won eight games in his four-year tenure with the Tigers, including a 3-4 record last fall.Koonce is currently working as a substitute teacher and aide in Cliffside Park, a role he will expects to assume at Palisades Park while he works on gett...
Former Montclair State assistant Jon Koonce has been named new head football coach for the Palisades Park/Leonia co-op program.
The 27-year-old Cliffside Park native was approved by the Palisades Park Board of Education on Wednesday night. He takes over for T.J. Kroncke, who won eight games in his four-year tenure with the Tigers, including a 3-4 record last fall.
Koonce is currently working as a substitute teacher and aide in Cliffside Park, a role he will expects to assume at Palisades Park while he works on getting his teaching certification. He plans on meeting with players from both towns to share his message in the coming days.
“Football is a game and it’s fun, but it’s a lot more fun when you win, and the only way to get those wins is to work your tail off,” Koonce said. “If you want to enjoy September through November, then you have to work in March in the weight room and you have to work in July in the summer. That hard work will pay off.”
The Koonce File
Koonce was a two-way lineman at Cliffside Park before attending Montclair State, where he was an All-Conference center.
After graduating with his degree in humanities, he was offered a spot on the Red Hawks' coaching staff. He worked with tight ends, offensive linemen and running backs.
Koonce had connections with Tigers assistants Omar Morales and AJ Scoppa, who told him about the opening. Koonce said the job lined up perfectly.
“One of the biggest things I pitched in the interview is that this is not just about the game of football, coaches can talk Xs and Os all day, but this is about getting ingrained in the community of the towns,” Koonce said. “I had experience as a recruiter at Montclair State and now it will be getting kids out of the hallways to come play.”
The co-op challenge
Pal Park/Leonia is North Jersey’s original football co-op, beginning play as a combined team in 2000. The Tigers have reached the playoffs three times since, and made the sectional final in 2012.
The program is made up of two schools and three towns (students from Edgewater attend Leonia High School), so Koonce's first charge is getting everyone on board. Not being in the building at Leonia consistently also makes it hard to get potential players from there out for the team.
But Koonce is undaunted. He knows the Tigers bring back a lot of experienced players and said he's eager to get started.
READ MORE:High schools want coaches who work in the building, but it's becoming harder to find
Playing Union ball
The Tigers play in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference’s Union Division, a carve-out for schools with low participation numbers that are trying to restore their programs. The schools in the Union Division aren’t eligible for the state playoffs, but can advance to the Union Division title game.
Koonce knows firsthand what it’s like to go into a game outmanned. When he was at Cliffside Park, the Red Raiders often faced teams with healthier numbers. Koonce said he likes the Union Division concept, but hopes the Tigers can move out one day.
“I think it’s 100 percent a great opportunity for the kids, losing 40-0 is not great for either team, even the team that wins doesn’t get anything out of it,” He said. “It’s so much better to go out and have a chance to compete every week and we have our own playoffs at the end. I hope one day we can work the program where we don’t have to be in this place, but I think it’s a great way to give kids a chance to compete.”
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