Giant From Ridgewood Surprises Students

Ridgewood resident and New York Giant David Baas and two teammates gave eighth-graders at Westwood Jr./Sr. High School quite a pleasant surprise Tuesday afternoon when they appeared on the new football field to join in on a phys-ed class.

The students sat in the bleachers waiting for the surprise guests, a sense of anticipation in the air. They started cheering once they saw the players in their blue jerseys.

Baas, the starting center, and offensive linemen Kevin Boothe and Jim Cordle all participated in fitness activities with the students, ranging from jumping rope to tag to stretching.

The program was part of the NFL's Play 60 campaign, promoting 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and done in conjunction with the American Heart Association. Regional Director of Youth Market Sharon Morra said the American Heart Association chose the Westwood Regional School District, the only one in Bergen County for this event, because of its commitment and participation in the Jump Rope for Heart program.

The students were excited to interact with the professional athletes.

"It was pretty cool. The Giants coming was pretty unexpected," said C.J. Best of Washington Township. His one regret? "If I knew they were coming I wouldn't have worn a Jets shirt," he laughed.

Enzo Dicostanzo, also of the township, said, "I didn't know people from the Giants would come. I'm a Giants fan so it's even better."

After getting autographs from the three players, Talar Gokeerk said she was shocked when she saw them walking across the field.

"You would never imagine three football players would come because they're so busy with practice and everything," she said. "You wouldn't think they have time, but they do."

Director of Client Services for the Giants Ethan Medley said players have Tuesday off and are asked to give up the day occasionally for community events.

"We have a ton of charities we support, but Play 60 and promoting physical fitness for kids is our main initiative year round," Medley said.

He explained that five simultaneous caravans were traveling throughout the area Tuesday surprising students in different schools. He said it's the first time surprise groups were making 15 visits in one day.

The players were happy to take the time to interact with the students.

Baas, who just joined the Giants this season, said he enjoyed working with the kids and giving them a positive message about health.

"It's something that is part of our job as role models to inspire those kids," Baas said.

Cordle, who lives in Clifton and just started his second season with the team, said, "Today's event was successful because the kids had a lot of fun and that's the idea."

Play 60 is an NFL initiative that encourages children to get 60 minutes of physical activity in the form of play every day. The players who visited Westwood High School took that message to the students.

"It was a chance to get out here and play around with the guys and spend some time with the kids," said Boothe, who lives in Nutley and is starting his fifth year as a Giant. "It's a great cause to get out here and have fun."