Saying Goodbye To Vic Kubu

Nine days from now fans will flock to Manasquan High School to watch the Warriors open their season against Holmdel. They’ll pack the stands, many having walked from the neighborhood, and cheer as the 2007 edition of the Big Blue run onto the field. Talk will center on the possibility of winning an 11th state sectional championship and how they can replace a slew of big time players from last year who led Squan to a perfect season
and ranking among the best teams in New Jersey. If you look quick you’ll think this is no different than any other season.

However it will be very different because Vic Kubu, the heart, soul and brains of Manasquan football won’t be on the field although I get a sense his presence will be felt next Saturday and every other Saturday. Yesterday nearly 2000 jammed the high school gym to say goodbye to the coach who brought success and respect to a school and entire community. Kubu fought the good fight before losing his year and-a-half battle with cancer Sunday at the age of 65.

The memorial service brought out friends, coaches, alumni and players past and present. A testament to Kubu’s impact was that current players from not only Manasquan but Wall, Raritan, Middletown North and Middletown South packed the gymnasium for a tribute which included touching and humorous words from his daughter Wendy Kubu Callahan, former school superintendent Carole Morris and interim head coach Pete Cahill, who shared the sidelines with Vic for more than 20 years.

After the 90-minute service many milled around Vic Kubu Field, where tents were set up with refreshments and videos playing magical Manasquan football moments. There was also a display of Kubu’s 11 state sectional titles, including one at Middletown North. Team photos and memorabilia, family pictures and his famous briefcase brought smiles and comfort to those who knew him best. It seemed like many didn’t want the day to end, using the time to share stories about a unique individual whose life was dominated by five F’s…..family, friendship, faith, football and fishing.

Today the Manasquan football team goes about its task of getting ready for a new season knowing that their old coach is very much still a part of them…that will never change.

Comment received via email:

Kevin,

This mornings update was tremendous. To wake up and hear you pay tribute to a great man was a great way to start the day. Tears came to my eyes thinking about Coach. As always you did a wonderful job in your brief memorial. As I never played for him, I had the pleasure of meeting him back in the 90’s as he and his coaches would come into my Bagel store several times a week. I became a Vic Kubu fan and admirer long before I knew about his accomplishments back then. To hear and read the tributes being paid to him, makes me feel proud to know that I crossed paths for a brief moment in my life with not only a great teacher/coach but a role model of a person. May God Bless Coach Kubu and his family.

Regards,

Mike Galeotafiore