Stephen Steneck signs with Bentley University

BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — Stephen Steneck, a star for the West Milford Highlanders on the gridiron and in the classroom, has signed a letter of intent to play football for Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Highlanders Head Football Coach Don Dougherty recently reached out to The Messenger with some he impressive news.

“One of my football players, Stephen Steneck, will be signing a letter of intent to play football at Bentley University. I would love to have him recognized through your paper so the town can see this big accomplishment," said Dougherty.

Dougherty described Bentley as one of the top business schools in the country and a Division 2 football program, "which shows he gets the job done on and off the field.”

Stephen's coaches and family were present for the signing event.

Although Stephen didn't like being the center of attention, his proud mom, Sharon Steneck, sang his praises.

“He’s worked since he was five years old for this," said Sharon Steneck. "We couldn’t be more proud.”

Steneck’s dad, Mark, and his sister, Nicole, nodded in agreement. Steneck commented that he didn’t like all the attention.

“I feel people make too big of a deal about it," said Stephen.

Principal Paul Gorski was also in attendance, filled with Highlander pride and words of praise for the young man.

“It’s a great day for Stephen and his family," said Gorski. "I’m very proud of Stephen and the example that he set with our football team. I think particularly the ‘Punt, Pass and Read’ activity that the football players are involved in, where they go to all of the different schools in the district. The younger kids really look up to young men like Stephen, and they set a fine example both in our school and in our community. I couldn’t be prouder, and I wish Stephen the very best of luck at Bentley.”

The young man may not have appreciated all the accolades and attention he was getting, but he lit up with excitement when asked about his future at Bentley.

“I’m excited about it," said Stephen. "It’s a great school, it’s a great program. I’m happy I’ll be spending my next four years there.”

According to Dougherty, Stephen was a 2015 team captain and played the offensive line and outside linebacker positions with the Highlanders. Here are some of his stats and honors earned while on the Highlander football team:

1st Team (2014) and 2nd Team (2015) All Big North Independence (League) Offensive Lineman

2nd Team All County 2015
1st Team All County Offensive Lineman

Named to the MSG Varsity Honorable Mention All State Team (Group 3)

Ranks 3rd all time in West Milford in assisted tackles with 111

Ranks 3rd and 13th rank all time in assisted tackles in a season with 61 and 47

Participated in the WMHS Football’s “Punt, Pass and Read” program.

Stephen said his best memory/favorite moment of playing on the Highlanders Football Team is when they played the game against Lakeland High School in his junior year. “We won, the place was packed, it was awesome!”

Steneck said the Lakeland game was traditionally a big rivalry game, and West Milford hadn’t played them in a few years. “So after that hiatus, it was a really big win.”

Stephen said he plans to play outside linebacker for Bentley University as well, while he also concentrates on his studies in finance.

For now, Stephen will finish out his final few months at West Milford High School, spending his free time doing homework, lifting weights, hanging out with friends, and occasionally taking a nap. But he offered this word of advice to younger players: “Academics are more important than athletics.”

Sounds like this Highlander is definitely on the right path for a very bright future.

Give your good wishes to Stephen at westmilfordmessenger.com.