Vito Campanile embraces head coaching opportunity at Bergen Catholic

A couple weeks ago, Nunzio Campanile stepped down from the head coaching position at Bergen Catholic, accepting a new job with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. After winning their first state title in 13 years back in December at Met Life Stadium, the Crusaders did not have to look too far in naming their 11^th head coach in the program’s history with a familiar last name, Vito Campanile.

For the past three seasons, Campanile coached at Seton Hall Prep. Before that, Campanile enjoyed a highly successful run at Westwood from 2009 to 2014, leading the program to back-to-back North 1, Group 2 state sectional championships in 2013 and 2014 and winning his final 18 games with the Cardinals. Campanile’s roots run deep in Bergen County, an offensive coordinator for Rutherford in 2001 and head coach at Bergen Tech from 2002 to 2005 registering a 26-14 record and leading the school to their best record at 8-2 in 2003.

Campanile graduated and played at Paramus Catholic, setting a state record with 6,755 passing yards and 55 touchdowns. Later on Campanile became an assistant with the Paladins from 1997 to 1999.

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with Campanile about becoming the new head coach at Bergen Catholic.

Double G Sports: Congratulations Coach Campanile, can you talk about what it means on being the head football coach of Bergen Catholic?

Vito Campanile: An unbelievable opportunity and unique that is one of the most stories in Bergen County history and never being complacent, it’s a competitive of a schedule in the country and we basically have to come up and get going on a daily basis to compete and train for that. Week 6 of the the year and by the time it’s Week 23 we’re back on the field and preparing for 7 on 7’s and daily grind. Every week you are a playing a championship caliber team and really need to prepare to take it on week-by-week basis and no way you can look ahead or past anybody because every week is going to be a battle and war.

People are driven to competitiveness and we’re blessed and fortunate. We’re able to compete at a level that most people don’t get to compete at and something we need to embrace and privileged to do so. You have to be work incredibly hard and be prepared for everything that goes with that. A unique opportunity and I just don’t want the kids to waste a second of those opportunities and embrace and prepare for as best as possibly they can on a daily basis.

Double G Sports: How did your experience at Seton Hall Prep prepare you for this new opportunity at Bergen Catholic?

Vito Campanile: Some of the best relationships I have ever built with some great players and people I got to work with. An amazing opportunity to be there and something I worked incredibly hard at. Another side of the league I coach in and prepared me to work against some of the coaches we will be playing in the future and main cog for being able to adapt to Bergen Catholic.

Double G Sports: You had a very successful run at Westwood; can you talk about the school and community?

Vito Campanile: A tremendous place and such an unbelievable community to work in and always cherish it as one of the greatest times in my life as a place to work and friendships that last me for the rest of my life and hold near and dear to me. A sports driven community and tight knit place with special people.

Double G Sports: What does this new job mean to the Campanile family?

Vito Campanile: The centerpiece of your family is to share many great memories. I know people want to make their parents’ proud and blessed to share a lot of great times through football together and having my Dad around and know how happy he is about this move for me and extra special.

Double G Sports: Can you talk about the support you have received from the Bergen Catholic community?

Vito Campanile: An amazing community and brotherhood between the students’ and important to the faculty and administration. It’s great and doesn’t happen by accident and full of support at Bergen Catholic and something you take pride in and been around for a long time. I’m glad to have these guys yelling for me instead of at me.