SiEP Hosts Countywide Sports Combine at High Tech High School

The Sports in Education Program (SiEP) hosted its second annual sports combine on April 14–15 at High Tech High School, bringing together students from across the county for a two-day event focused on athletic development and teamwork.

Launched in 2025 by Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the Hudson County Board or Commissioners as a pilot program with 10 schools, SiEP has expanded to 29 participating schools across Hudson County.

The combine served as a final learning and competition day for the Hudson County schools who participated in their program. The program is an 18-week sports intensive where students are able to grow their physical strengths as well as team-based skills during school hours. Students from grades 3-12 can participate in this program. At the end of the final day, 2 students from each grade group and gender would be named champions: one for “Most Improved” and another for “Best Overall.”

“One of our main goals is to inspire students to eventually pursue sports, and even if they don’t pursue sports, we want to expose them to the importance of physical activity and health in their everyday lives,” Gina Hulings, the director of the Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, said. 

Hulings found this program after noticing a disparity in the amount of sports education that Hudson County students were getting. “The kids who don’t have access to club sports or health clinics, this gives them the opportunity to have that,” Hulings said. 

The program provides full-rounded education in the multi-faceted aspects of sports, such as nutrition, physical health, teamwork, sports IQ, healthy competition, and problem solving.

James Rangel, the lead coordinator of SiEP, developed the program to include a range of sports and drills, including basketball, football, track and soccer, giving students exposure to different athletic experiences.

“In today’s world, a lot of programs are very expensive, such as private training and club sports,” Rangel said. “We want to bring that same level of skill and rigour here, bridging the gap for students who can’t afford it in Hudson County. We want to show them that if they put their mind to it, they can achieve anything they want.”

To give the students this opportunity, SiEP partnered with Prime Athletic Development, a youth-based training organization, and the Rashawn Jackson Endowment Fund, a fund dedicated to helping students foster a love for sports. SiEP invited prominent coaches to teach drills and skills, such as Coach Bobby Hurley, a hall of fame recognized college basketball coach who has coached teams such as Arizona State University. Coach Hurley taught students essential drills that prepare them for the court, giving them the professional training that one would get at a college basketball team. 

SiEP also brought local coaches that have made a great impact throughout their coaching career to teach and inspire the students. For example, Coach Alex Lalaoui from Guttenberg, a former semi-professional forward in soccer who played with Raja Club Athletic, FC Cosmos, and FC Colombia, brought his coaching philosophy to all of the students. He highlighted the FiFA World Cup Championship which is happening in New Jersey, and how all the current players were once their age, showing how it’s never too late to start. 

Daniella Perez and Katelyn Gonzalez, two 8th grade students from Anna L. Klein School in Guttenberg,  have benefited greatly from this program. Gonzalez, who enjoys playing basketball, was able to further her skills at this program, while Perez, who enjoys playing golf, was able to experience all of the other types of sports and foster an appreciation for them. 

What was more impressive was how they were able to learn more about teamwork and unity amongst their peers and competitors. “It was nerve wracking at first because of all of the schools and students participating,” Perez said, “but seeing everyone work together, I feel more confident. I hope everybody gets their fair share and can get recognized for their hard work.”

“I would definitely do this again,” Perez and Gonzalez agreed. 

In the future, SiEP hopes to have every school in Hudson County participate. “Right now only 6 municipalities are participating: Jersey City, Bayonne, Guttenberg, Kearny, Harrison, and Union City,” Rangel said. SiEP is looking to extend their partnership, showing to each school how vital it is to have sports be a fundamental part of each student’s overall education. 

“I hope they involve all schools in the Bayonne school district,” Stephanie Lucci, the Bayonne school district nurse, said. “We have 12 primary schools across Bayonne, and only 5 could participate. If they do this every year so that all of them could participate, that would be great.” As a nurse, Lucci understands the importance of fitness and wellness in a student’s education. She helps the students who need medical assistance to be able to participate in the program, giving more accessibility to every student. “They deserve this,” Lucci said. 

The program aims to expand to more schools across Hudson County and is currently seeking partnerships with organizations.