Ocean Township, Monmouth County: The Big Red Football Spartans are having an extraordinary year by any measure. They are 8-0, Freedom Division Champions, as they head into the playoffs starting with hosting Burlington Township on Friday, 10/28.

Ocean is no stranger to greatness. Everyone has heard about the first-round Steelers draft pick before Kenny Pickett. He joined a long list of elite football players that included NFL great Phil Villapiano and players like Eddie Conti. Ocean has won three state championships (1993, 2000, and 2005).

As someone who went through the program for all four years, Steve Clayton can attest to the fact that as impressive as that success has been, the other noteworthy success has been Ocean’s ability to teach its players critical life lessons that will benefit them not just in football, but in life itself. This can be demonstrated by the long list of alumni who are now at the top of their professions in just about every field. The lessons learned during those hot practices in August or the cold ones in November have taught generations of Spartans how to overcome adversity and achieve milestone after milestone.

When Clayton played for Ocean, there was a sign with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson above the coach’s office. It was “Nothing Great Was Ever Achieved Without Enthusiasm.” It was important to hear during one’s playing days, but equally important for their studies and career later in their life. Go Spartans!

About Steve: Steve is a proud Ocean graduate who graduated from the University of Maryland-College Park and Carnegie Mellon University. He presently serves as Director of Development for a statewide nonprofit focused on ensuring that children can grow up safe, healthy, and educated. Steve is an avid runner, reader, and history buff.