HIGH SCHOOL

J.P. Stevens football players cut their hair for cause

Greg Tufaro
@GregTufaro

After getting buzz cuts as part of a fundraiser to benefit the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation less than 24 hours earlier, members of the J.P. Stevens High School football team took the practice field on Wednesday with a lot less hair under their helmets.

The Hawks rallied around the effort, which teammate Stephen Susan, a senior lineman, spearheaded in honor of his father, Doug, a former South River and Princeton University gridiron star who has twice battled cancer.

"He might be the best lineman I coached at South River," Michael Lepore Sr. said of Doug, who he coached in the late 1970s. "Not only was he tough, but he was very smart. He was a leader and everyone looked up to him. He was one of the finest young men."

Employees of a salon owned by Miriam Pavese, the mother of former J.P. Stevens star Rocco, joined her in volunteering their time and expertise to give players buzz cuts on Tuesday at the high school.

"I asked her if she wouldn't mind helping out," Stephen said. "She brought along two other people from the salon to help cut hair. I really appreciate what she did."

Stephen, who has already raised more than $7,000 for the Foundation through other fundraising endeavors, said the "Haircut-A-Thon" generated another $500, a donation he said his parents will match.

"They were all happy about what I was doing," Stephen said of his teammates. "They all understood it was for a good cause and helping out the community."

Stephen's uncle, Joe, currently the head football coach at Bucknell University, previously served as an assistant at Rutgers, where Stephen's father has been a season-ticket holder for more than 20 years.

"I have been attending Rutgers football games with my dad since I was 8 months old," Stephen wrote on a page at the Foundation's web site. "I pray and hope to be able to continue to attend games with him."

Doug was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 when Stephen was 11 years old. He endured another battle with cancer five years later. Stephen said his father is "looking very well now."

Despite his lineage, Stephen did not start playing organized football until he entered high school, simply because he was too big to play Pop Warner, which has size restrictions. Stephen spent much of his time as a youth around Rutgers football camps, where his uncle worked.

Stephen is now a second-year starting right guard for the Hawks. He will see time at defensive tackle this season, as well.

"My goals for this season are to play every down like it's my last," Stephen said, "and try the hardest I can every play."

Fitting words from a young man who was dealt a serious dose of life perspective at a young age.

Staff writer Greg Tufaro: gtufaro@mycentraljersey.com