For the tenth time since 2002, the Wayne Hills High football program enjoyed a ring ceremony to celebrate a state championship.
A large turnout of players, parents and friends were on hand at the high school April 4 as coach Wayne Demikoff gave a brief talk to the crowd, then oversaw the presentation of rings along with coaches and former Hills stars Mike Peischl and Anthony Giampapa.
In 2018, the Patriots not only won their tenth state sectional title, but also added the first NJSIAA "Bowl Game" championship, when the team defeated Phillipsburg, 35-21, on Nov. 30 at MetLife Stadium.
"This is something you'll always remember," said Demikoff to the players. "Be proud of what you've accomplished. To the seniors, you're leaving as champions. To the returning players, the quest for No. 11 is underway."
The rings are certainly noteworthy, with a diamond-clustered "W" on the front, surrounded by a maroon background. STATE CHAMPIONS is printed on the front of the ring, with the player, or coaches name emblazoned on one side and Bowl Champs, with a depiction of the state and North Group 4 sketched on the other side.
Everyone on hand also received a T-shirt inscribed "10-time state champions."
Some of the seniors who were a part of the 2016 state sectional championship squad, when they were sophomores, brought those rings as well. Demikoff was also proud that he has all 10 state championship rings. He was an assistant with the Patriots for the championships in 2002, 2004-08, 2010-11 and now has his second championship ring as a head coach after succeeding Chris Olsen in 2013.
"Not just me, but (assistant coach) Pat Cosgrove also has all 10," said Demikoff. "That means a lot. Pat has been a part of the program longer than me. He had worked with Chris Olsen since Chris' first coaching assignment at St. Cecelia's (in Englewood) and came to Hills with Chris in 1987."
A new season is not that far off.
"Oh yeah, the new season is coming quickly," said Demkoff. "We're excited The kids have been putting a lot of time in the weight room. I know our returning players want to get another ring next year. They know what it will take."