38°
Now "Coach Bear" is bringing some names to his summer camp.
They include former Bosco standouts and current NFL players Matt Simms of the Atlanta Falcons and Leonte Carroo of the Miami Dolphins, along with Rick Mantz of Rutgers.
"It's a great camp for these kids to learn the game of football, compete, interact with NFL players, and most importantly have fun," Baeira said. "We've had kids from all surrounding towns, including some from other states who happen to be in the area with a relative for the week."
Baeira, 33, previously coached at national power Don Bosco Prep under Greg Toal – and was mentored by then coordinator Nunzio Campanile – then with Nick Delcalzo at Hasbrouck Heights.
"Each of those guys had a strong point in something different, whether it was motivation, organization, goal setting, technique or X's and O's," he said. "I was able to take something from each and evolve it into my own. My experiences with them have aided me in my coaching career, and for that, I am very thankful."
In Baeira's four years on the sidelines at Don Bosco, the Ironmen went 47-1, winning four state titles and a mythical national title.
He also was an assistant wrestling coach at the Ramsey parochial school for 12 years and, later, an assistant at Becton High School before becoming the Aviators' offensive coordinator.
Baeira, who was graduated from Fair Lawn High School in 2001, is running his third camp at the Gary Depken Athletic Field (Route 17/Franklin Avenue) from 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. July 11-14.
"It has been successful each summer," said Baeira, a math teacher at Hasbrouck Heights Middle School. "Our past special guests have been great, and the kids always look forward to meeting them."
The cost is $185 per player and includes a camp t-shirt.
Click here TO REGISTER.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Ridgefield Park-Hasbrouck Heights and receive free news updates.
