At the Hoboken Board of Education meeting on November 14, 2023, community members, alumni, friends, family and current athletes spoke up about the athletic department. They advocated passionately for Keon Walker and his staff, by then former coaches of the Hoboken Redwings. The discussions were emotional, centered on Keon's determination and his impact on many young people who are now grown men playing college sports.
The debate raised uncertainty about the Redwings' participation in the coming season. Many called for restoring culture and integrity to a football program once celebrated for multiple state championships, and, in the words of @djaldez, to "think about the message that's being sent to our student-athletes about the value of winning over their growth as humans." WHSL called it advocacy done right: people speaking up for what they believe in, without causing an uproar.
Jason Blanks makes all-conference
Days later came another example of Keon's influence: Jason Blanks was named to the all-conference second team on defense. "Jason Blanks is indeed destined for great things alongside the many talented individuals from Hoboken."
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