Below is a recent Q & A with John Amabile, who began his football life as a quarterback at St. Peter’s Prep and began coaching in 1961 in Jersey City, before his induction into the Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Fame at the US Army All Shore Gridiron Classic.

Q: How does it feel to be inducted into the Hall?

A: I feel extremely honored.

Q: Your coaching background?

A: I had the good fortune to play at St. Peters Prep when the legendary Bill Cochrane was the coach. He was ahead of his time. We played in front of 20,000 fans every week at Roosevelt Stadium. Had the good fortune of playing at Boston College for Mike Holovak, who later became the General Manager of the Houston Oilers. I’ve truly been blessed.

Q: How have you seen High School Football in New Jersey change over the last 40 years?

A: There aren’t a better group of coaches than the ones currently on the sidelines right now. Just look at the results, competiveness, and number of teams.

Q: Two hundred wins amassed while coaching in the Shore Conference. Thirty three of those in a row during a legendary win streak in the early 80’s. What was it like during that time?

A: You build success on success. The kids get that feeling that they don’t want to let the players who came before them down. The kids had to handle the pressure.

Q: What do you take away as your proudest moment as a coach?

A: For me, you coach because you love the game. Just being a part of a kid becoming a better person and citizen. Above the X’s and O’s, it is the most important thing that I did. It is satisfying to see what they become.