Ridgefield Park tribute suits Callan by Darren Cooper of The Record
RIDGEFIELD PARK — With apologies to Santa, the most famous red suit in the village belonged to Jim Callan. Now that suit is on display for all to see.
The boisterous, enthusiastic, fun-loving Callan was a special-education teacher at the school, but he was best known for his side gig as the public-address announcer at the Scarlets basketball games. His sudden death in August at age 51 stunned a close-knit community.
On Friday night, the Scarlet boys and girls basketball programs began their seasons with a doubleheader against Dwight Morrow. Callan was honored in between games, but athletic director Michael Raimondi didn’t retire his number or fabricate a special jersey — no, the school had Callan’s signature red suit framed. It stood behind Callan’s table during the boys basketball game and will be placed outside the gymnasium.
“He was just a good soul,” said Raimondi. “He was a special-education teacher, but he wasn’t just good to the athletes, he was good to everyone in this building.”
Nearly everyone in attendance was wearing a Callan-themed red suit T-shirt, with the imprint of a white dress shirt and a red tie on the front. The faculty wore the shirts during the school day. On the back were the words, “1, 2, 3 … ayooo.”
That was Callan’s rallying cry to Ridgefield Park students at pep rallies and football games. He would say the numbers, and the kids would yell back. It’s hard to know just how many kids over the years participated in the ritual. Callan also is credited with coining the phrase, “It’s a great day to be a Scarlet!”
Scarlets boys basketball coach Chris Gaskin honored Callan, who was also known as “Hurricane” to his friends, by coaching his game in a freshly made, custom flame-red suit.
“We shared a classroom together for nine years,” Gaskin said Friday morning. “We spent a lot of time together and I certainly miss my friend, but I don’t think I’m alone in those thoughts. ‘The Hurricane’ is someone who is irreplaceable and I am thankful [this] will ensure his memory and his legacy will last for years to come and future Scarlets will see the jacket and hear all the stories that will keep his spirit alive in Ridgefield Park.”
Raimondi praised the kindness of Dwight Morrow, which agreed to a season-opening doubleheader with both varsity programs. Maroon Raiders head boys basketball coach Ozzie Osbourne presented Raimondi with a plaque of appreciation for Callan at the end of the ceremony. A scholarship fund has been set up in Callan’s name.
Ridgefield Park’s gym exudes a history that few others in North Jersey can match. There are banners noting titles dating back to 1920. Whether the Scarlets basketball programs were up or down, Callan infused the place with personality and excitement.
“He brought life to our hallways, energy to games and always give me a big hug when I needed it most,” said Scarlets girls basketball coach Nicole Pucciarelli, whose team held off Dwight-Morrow 40-33 in its opener. “He was a good-hearted person. No one will be able to fill the gym like he did.”
Pucciarelli said the impact of Callan’s death didn’t hit her until Thursday, when plans started to come together for the ceremony.
“In practice I said we would play a sound clip of him announcing at our sectional final game, and at that moment I couldn’t keep it together as I was flooded with emotions thinking about how much energy he brought each night to our games and I realized he won’t be here,” said Pucciarelli. “The girls and I sat quietly at that moment with water-filled eyes remembering him and the joy he brought to our teams.”
“This is a well-deserved honor, retiring the red suit,” said Gaskin. “Jim added so much to the ‘total basketball experience,’ which he referred to during all basketball home games. His energy and enthusiasm was always present, but the care and concern for all the students of Ridgefield Park is truly where he stood out.”
Dan Morris handled the PA duties Friday night, and Raimondi said the microphone would be handled by a few different hosts this season.
The boys game came down to the final seconds, with the Maroon Raiders holding off the Scarlets 59-57. During each timeout, music played from Callan’s old play list. So it was like he was there, and as the students filed out, they could see on the plaque, it was still a great day to be a Scarlet after all.