Getting your number retired solidifies the impact you have had on a team. Throughout the 65 years of West Essex sports, many athletes have competed and achieved terrific accomplishments. Their names have been memorialized on banners around the school for people to recognize their greatness in their respective sports. Whether it was breaking a record, setting a milestone, being a leader or doing something nobody has done before, players with retired numbers at West Essex have been leaders who have raised the bar for the people that come after them.
Former field hockey players Amanda Cassera and Michelle Vizzuso and football player Anthony D’Urso are just a few of the names who have had their jerseys retired in the West Essex halls. Vizzuso holds the record for most goals ever scored in a single season by a player (145). Her number “1” was retired in 1994 after she helped her team achieve three state championships. Cassera got her jersey number “21” retired in 2013 after she broke the record for most points scored in a season. Anthony D’Urso won many awards including First Team All-Essex County, Essex County’s Top 33 and New Jersey’s Super 100. His number “35” is one that represents all of his success in the program.
All of these athletes left a prominent mark on West Essex that has not gone unnoticed. Besides these atheletes, many others have dedicated their time to help the school win many championships. Their leadership and overall competitiveness makes them some of the most memorable players to ever wear West Essex across their chest.
