There’s no doubt that the Cresskill – Emerson football team has flipped the script, and it’s not just the players in helmets making the difference: it’s the coach with the headset on, Coach Sal Aiello. With this being only his first season with the Cresskill Cougars, he has already made a huge impact on the team. When talking to his players, it doesn’t seem like he has affected the game – he has affected the mentality of his athletes and made the game akin to a lifestyle for them.
When asked how the style of the team’s new coach has helped him personally improve, Justin Soh, a senior, and wide receiver for the Cresskill Varsity football team said, “Coach Aiello is really good with diagnosing the other team’s habits and for me on the defensive side of the ball it’s really allowed me to understand the other teams tendencies and to use that to my advantage, through Coach Aiello’s well detailed knowledge on the other team.” Under Aiello’s leadership, Justin recorded 52 total tackles; 295 receiving yards, averaging 36.8 per game; and three touchdowns. Aiello isn’t just improving the team as a whole, but improving the sportsmen individually. There is an evident change in the team’s discipline on and off the field and players have shown noticeable differences in their communication and execution.
Soh also emphasized the difference in the team’s overall strength. “Yeah, I would say we have a lot more chemistry together and we got a lot more comfortable playing together on the field because he encourages us to work together during practice, which translates to games.” The focus on coordination has really turned up for Cresskill. Players have won more “Player of the Week” nominations, and the group’s general organization has enhanced with Aiello on their side. Coach Aiello’s focus on collaboration has also encouraged more effective plays. The result of such leadership is a team that doesn’t just want to play to win, but to play for the team with motivation and trust.
In less than a season, Coach Aiello has helped transform not only the way the Cougars play, but also their mentality and teamwork. As the season moves forward, the Cougars continue to bring the same energy to every game and practice. It’s clear the team doesn’t just want wins: they want to define the program for the future.
