QP dedicates practice field to legendary grid coach Borgess
The field at Queen of Peace was renamed last week in honor of the late Ralph Borgess, who spent 26 years at the school as a coach and assistant athletic director.
By Jim Hague
Observer Sports Writer
For most of his adult life, Ralph Borgess was synonymous with Queen of Peace High School.
Sure, the late Borgess was a Kearny native who starred as a multi-sport athlete at Kearny High. And yes, Borgess spent a good portion of his life as the head football coach at Harrison, leading the Blue Tide to their lone football state championship, the North Jersey Section 1, Group II title in 1986.
And after all, Borgess spent an astounding 52 years coaching high school football in New Jersey, earning Hall of Fame honors all across the board.
But deep down, Borgess was as much a part of Queen of Peace as the Golden Griffin itself.
Borgess served as the head football coach for two different stints, including his final go-round that lasted until he was past his 80th birthday. He was also the assistant athletic director at the school and maintained a constant presence until his untimely death following a stroke in 2006.
Ever since Borgess’ passing, the school wanted to find a way to memorialize him, to make sure that people remembered “Coach” for perpetuity.
That tribute took place last week, when QP officials finally dedicated the practice field outside the school as the Ralph Borgess Field. There was a ceremony with speeches remembering “Coach.” The field house was newly painted with Borgess’ name in bright gold letters and a plaque was unveiled, featuring Borgess’ achievements and accomplishments at the school for 26 marvelous years.
While the weather wasn’t exactly balmy, nothing could dampen the spirits of the people who attended, who came to remember and honor “Coach.”
“It was wonderful,” said Ruth Borgess, the coach’s widow. “He knew that the school wanted to do something like this before he died. He said that they wanted to do it, but it never came to pass. I never thought it would take so long, but a lot of people all got together and pushed for it to happen.”
Ruth Borgess was moved by the ceremony and presentation.
“It was a very nice reception,” Ruth Borgess said. “I never expected anything like that. I think it’s great that kids are going to look up, see his name and say, `Who’s that?’ And they’re going to mention his name for a long time.”
Borgess said that her great grandson, also named Ralph, keeps the name alive. Her son, Ralph Jr., who also coached at Queen of Peace, passed away two years ago. The family has another son, Rich, who also was a coach.
Christine Borgess Riccardi is Coach Borgess’ granddaughter. She has such fine memories of her grandfather.
“He made such a lasting impression on me,” Riccardi said. “I can remember being an 11-year-old kid and driving through the streets of Harrison, looking for kids who broke curfew. I remember waiting for him after games and I had pockets full of M&Ms to give to him, win or lose. I can never forget those moments.”
Riccardi sang her grandfather’s praises.
“He was truly amazing,” Riccardi said. “He taught me so much about life. No one could compare to him. There was no better person.”
Riccardi was also impressed with the ceremony.
The plaque honoring the late Ralph Borgess was put on the wall near the
field that will forever bear the name of the beloved “Coach.”
“It was an amazing tribute to him,” Riccardi said. “And it’s well deserved. I’m thrilled that it came to pass and that they recognized his iconic status, not just at Queen of Peace, but throughout northern New Jersey. He was the most amazing man I’ve ever known.”
Riccardi said that she had only one wish.
“I think the only thing I regret in life is that I wasn’t a boy,” Riccardi said. “Because being a girl, I didn’t get the chance to play for him.”
Tony Riposta, the highly respected North Arlington-based attorney, did get the chance to play for “Coach.” A graduate of QP in 1970, Riposta still holds his days playing with Borgess in reverence.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this than Coach Borgess,” Riposta said. “He put in so much time there. He loved the place and loved the players. This was so appropriate, because he loved QP more than anyone.”
Riposta, who was asked to be one of the speakers, said that the ceremony was special.
“It absolutely brought back great memories,” Riposta said. “No one loved coaching high school football more than Coach Borgess. He was the consummate high school football coach and he was great at it. I was so lucky to have him as a coach. I don’t know where I’d be today without him. I would have done anything for him.”
Queen of Peace athletic director Ed Abromaitis was one of the driving forces to get this tribute for Borgess. After all, the two shared an office together in the basement of the school for the last 10 years of Borgess’ life.
“It was so important to Coach, having this field,” Abromaitis said. “It’s not a beautiful field, but it was his. It was his idea to build it. Before the field, the team had to practice in the cemetery. This field was his own little thing, so naming it after him is just right. It’s perfect.”
Abromaitis said that there was a certain amount of pride that came with the day.
“It was a great feeling,” Abromaitis said. “His family was here. Friends, former players, so many people. It was one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had. It’s such a fitting tribute. It’s perfect for him.”
And a perfect way for the school to keep Ralph Borgess’ name alive for the many years to come.
“It came almost seven years to the day since he passed,” Riccardi said. “It’s a nice time of year to remember him. It was Thanksgiving, being with family. It was very emotional for all of us.”
Anyone who ever knew Ralph Borgess knew that he loved Queen of Peace, loved the kids, loved being active even into his 80s. The only bad thing was that “Coach” wasn’t around to enjoy the day and the festivities with everyone else.
