As a rookie head football coach at his alma mater, Jordan Leitner believes the sport he coaches should be about more than what transpires on the playing field.

So the former star quarterback, who holds Metuchen High School’s career records for passing yards and touchdowns, wants his charges to be committed to more than offseason workouts and challenging practices.

“The wins and losses will come and go but my main objective is to impact these kids for a lifetime,” Leitner said in explanation of why his entire gridiron program is committed to participating in The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s Tournament of Roses Parade Charity Walk and Food Drive on July 18 at Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen.

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The charity walk is a two-mile stroll along the grounds of Saint Joseph’s scenic 70-acre campus to heighten awareness about food insecurity.

The accompanying food drive is a collection of donations for REPLENISH, a regional food bank serving Middlesex County residents, including an estimated 30,000 children, and the Middlesex College Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry.

The event serves as a community service project for more than a hundred Class of 2022 Middlesex County high school players and cheerleaders participating in the Marisa Rose Bowl, including recent Metuchen graduates Aidan Holloway, Amber May Cardillo, Amelia Gehring and Olivia Varga.

All proceeds from the intra-county all-star game, sponsored by Bellamy and Sons Paving and formerly known as the Snapple Bowl and Autoland Classic, will benefit The Marisa Tufaro Foundation. The contest has raised $715,000 for charity since its inception in 1994.

“I’m really proud,” Metuchen School District Superintendent Dr. Vincent Caputo said of the nearly 50 players and coaches from Leitner’s program who will be participating in the charity walk and food drive.

“This is a great bonding activity for the team and it shows that the kids in Metuchen are fantastic and with the right guidance they can do amazing things. We’re so excited that we are going to be a part of (the charity walk and food drive) in such large numbers.”

Numbers were an issue within the football program just four years ago when the Bulldogs were down to 16 healthy players while battling through a winless season, getting outscored 210-13 in seven of their eight defeats.

“As a coach, the one thing I can say is I can’t complain about the numbers and I can’t complain about the effort,” said Leitner, noting Metuchen is averaging 35 dedicated players at summer practices.

The Bulldogs finished strong last season, winning four of their last seven games after commencing the year with four consecutive defeats.

“They have some big shoes to fill but we are improving and have great energy in practice,” Leitner said, noting he wants his players to be winners in the classroom and off the field, as well.

“As much as I love football and these kids love football, things are bigger than the sport and this (charity walk and food drive) is one of them.”

A generous benefactor covered the registration fee for Metuchen players and coaches to participate in the charity walk and food drive.

Registration includes a commemorative Tournament of Roses Parade T-shirt, Marisa Tufaro Foundation wristband, and beverages. All participants will be asked to wear their commemorative T-shirts during the walk as a show of solidarity.

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“It’s no surprise that the Metuchen Community has once again stepped up to support those in need,” Metuchen Mayor Jonathan Busch said of the Bulldogs’ commitment to the charity walk and food drive.

“The example set by these students and their coaches is a testament to the fabric of this incredible community and the support that it provides to one another.”

The entire Metuchen school-community is among the biggest supporters of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which assists pediatric patients and underserved children throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Metuchen has hosted an annual mud run and soccer festival with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. Student-athletes from multiple sports at the high school have participated in county-wide fundraisers for The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, including an annual “Practice for a Purpose” swimming event which Metuchen helps conduct.

Since its inception less than five years ago, the nonprofit has donated a quarter of a million dollars to fulfill its mission.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation has also donated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies and other items upon which it has placed no monetary value.

The nonprofit has awarded $26,500 in academic scholarships to 38 high school graduates, and an additional 13 scholarships for middle school and elementary school students to attend a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Art Museum.

Metuchen High School alumna Carolyn Schleif (’22) and alumnus Michael Lapczynski (’18) are among those who have received scholarships from the foundation.

Marisa Rose Tufaro, who would have graduated last year from Edison High School, survived six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017 following a valiant battle.

Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and maintaining hundreds of doctor’s appointments, she lived a vibrant life that inspired.

Her paternal grandparents, Joseph and Marie, are Metuchen High School alums.

The Tournament of Roses Parade reflects Marisa Rose Tufaro’s first community service project, which as an elementary school student was to collect nonperishable food items for donation to a local food pantry.

Caputo said Leitner, who previously served eight years as an assistant coach at Metuchen, is “leading by example” by getting the Bulldogs involved in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

“I’ve had other job opportunities, but my connection toward this program and where I see it going is really special,” Leitner said. “That’s why I want the community to be involved and us to be involved in the community.”

Leitner said the commitment of his players and coaches to the charity walk and food drive illustrates “the true community aspect of Metuchen.”

“I think something like this brings out the good in everyone and it’s something we should be a part of.”