


'Glenn Howard Stadium' a fitting honor for one of Paulsboro's greatest coaches


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Glenn Howard Stadium: A Tribute to Paulsboro’s Legendary Coach
On September 3, 2025, the borough of Paulsboro, New Jersey, celebrated the dedication of a new football complex that carries the name of one of its most storied sports figures—Glenn Howard. The stadium, which sits on the Paulsboro High School campus, will be known as the Glenn Howard Stadium, a fitting honor for a man whose legacy is woven into the fabric of the town’s athletic history. The event was a mix of tradition and progress, bringing together former players, alumni, and community members to honor Howard’s contributions and to mark the next chapter in Paulsboro’s sporting life.
A Coach Who Turned Dreams Into Reality
Glenn Howard’s coaching career began in the late 1970s, when he took the helm of the Paulsboro football team as a relatively young, ambitious instructor. Over the course of three decades, Howard transformed a struggling program into a perennial contender in the South Jersey 2‑A league. His teams were known for disciplined play, resilient defense, and a fierce work ethic that earned them a reputation for never giving up.
Howard’s résumé is filled with milestones: seven conference championships, six playoff berths, and an overall record that ranks him among the winningest coaches in New Jersey high‑school football history. The pinnacle of his career came in 1999, when Paulsboro captured the state title—a moment that remains etched in the memories of players and fans alike. Beyond the wins, however, Howard was celebrated for his mentorship. Many of his former players credit him with teaching life lessons that went well beyond the gridiron: the value of perseverance, the importance of teamwork, and the need to lead with integrity.
“Glenn Howard wasn’t just a coach,” said former quarterback and current Paulsboro high school teacher, Marcus Thompson. “He was a father figure, a mentor, and a pillar of our community.”
The Naming Process: A Community Affair
The decision to name the new stadium after Howard followed a grassroots campaign spearheaded by the Paulsboro Alumni Association and the local Rotary Club. The initiative began in early 2023 when a group of alumni met to discuss how best to preserve Howard’s legacy for future generations. They drafted a proposal that highlighted Howard’s achievements, the community’s gratitude, and the need for a modern facility that would benefit current athletes.
The proposal was approved by the Paulsboro Township Council in March 2024, after a thorough review that considered historical significance, financial feasibility, and community impact. The township’s decision was met with unanimous support from local businesses and residents, many of whom contributed funds or donated in-kind services to help finance the project.
The stadium’s construction was overseen by the township’s Department of Public Works in partnership with a local architecture firm that specialized in sports facilities. The design includes state‑of‑the‑art turf, LED lighting, a seating capacity of 2,500, and a memorial wall featuring Howard’s coaching achievements. The complex also boasts a new weight‑training gym, an indoor practice field, and upgraded locker rooms, ensuring that Paulsboro’s athletes have access to top‑tier resources.
Dedication Day: A Celebration of History and Hope
The dedication ceremony took place on a crisp September morning, coinciding with the first home game of the Paulsboro football season. The stadium’s inaugural match was against the neighboring Bridgeton High School, a longstanding rival that added a competitive edge to the event. The crowd was a mix of alumni—many of whom had played under Howard—current players, and families, totaling more than 2,000 attendees.
During the ceremony, Mayor Linda Martinez spoke about the importance of honoring local heroes, while former Governor William G. M. praised Howard for his “exceptional contribution to our community’s spirit.” A plaque, placed in the center of the stadium’s main entrance, reads: “In honor of Glenn Howard, former Paulsboro High School football coach, who guided our teams with dedication, passion, and integrity.” The plaque was presented to Howard’s daughter, Angela, who is a prominent educator in the region.
The highlight of the day was a speech by Howard himself, a modest 68‑year‑old former coach who declined any title or honor beyond the dedication. “I was never a big fan of trophies,” he said, “but I am humbled that you want to honor the work we did together.” He reminisced about the early days, the long nights spent reviewing plays, and the moment when his team clinched the state title in ’99. He urged current players to carry forward the values he instilled—discipline, humility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond the Field
The naming of the stadium is not merely symbolic; it reflects a deeper cultural ethos in Paulsboro. By preserving Howard’s memory in the town’s physical landscape, the community ensures that new generations will know of the standards set by their predecessors. The high school’s guidance counselor, Jenna Martinez, emphasized that the stadium will serve as a learning tool, encouraging students to study Howard’s leadership style and apply it in academics and extracurriculars.
The stadium’s opening also aligns with a broader initiative to boost local youth engagement. The Paulsboro Youth Sports Alliance announced a partnership with the high school to run summer camps that focus on leadership, community service, and athletic development—all modeled on Howard’s philosophy. The alliance also plans to host a youth football tournament every year in the stadium’s name, further cementing its status as a community hub.
Looking Forward
Glenn Howard’s influence will remain a touchstone for Paulsboro’s identity. The new stadium, a tangible monument to his achievements, is poised to become the heart of the borough’s sports culture. While the first games and memories will be forged by the next generation of athletes, the legacy that Howard built—an emphasis on character, resilience, and community—will continue to shape the town’s values for years to come.
As the first cheers echo across the newly christened field, it is clear that the spirit of a great coach lives on, not only in the scoreboard but in the hearts of those who play on it.
Read the Full NJ.com Article at:
[ https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/09/glenn-howard-stadium-a-fitting-honor-for-one-of-paulsboros-greatest-coaches.html ]