Mike Geremia will play in his 14th Big Nick Classic, while Evan Rosenberg will compete in his first game.
No matter if you are a veteran or a rookie, the passion and devotion that staff and students at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School hold are all the same.
The Big Nick Classic, which is sponsored by the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School Student Council, is played in honor of the late Nick Klecz, who served as a teacher and coach in the district for nearly 40 years.
The game matches the school's students against the faculty.
This year's 25th edition will be played on Thursday, February 26, at the Middle School gymnasium, which, once again, is expected to be jam-packed. Doors will swing open at 6 p.m., and the game will tip off at 6:30 p.m.
The basketball game is spearheaded by Meghan Wilkinson and Kim Pratt, the dedicated Co-Advisors of the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School Student Council.
"The Big Nick Classic is an important tradition of Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School. It is played in honor of the late Nick Klecz, who served the district as a teacher and coach for nearly 40 years," Ms. Wilkinson said. "In the 26 years we have played the Big Nick Classic, we have lost two very important people, Dan Grigal and Augie Lorio. These men were legendary players of the Big Nick Classic, beloved coaches at Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, and cherished members of our faculty. We hold them in our hearts as we continue this tradition."
Ms. Wilkinson continued to speak about this tradition, which has been carried on successfully over the years.
"This is a fun night for staff, students, and families to come together for some friendly competition and to honor those who are not forgotten. It's a memorable evening that brings our school and community together," Ms. Wilkinson stated.
Proceeds from the event will support scholarships and upgrades to the Middle School.
Mr. Geremia, a Math Teacher, will guide the faculty team that seeks a repeat victory. Last year, the staff ended the students' three-year run with a 46-45 victory. Middle School Principal Megan Corliss will once again coach the students' squad.
Both teams have been hitting the school gym after classes end to sharpen their skills for the big showdown.
To Mr. Geremia, this game never gets old.
"I love it. I look forward to it every year," claimed Mr. Geremia during a recent practice. "This is such a huge event for the Middle School, and we'll probably have 1,000 people here. It is such a great community event."
Mr. Rosenberg, who is in his first year at the Middle School as a Special Services Teacher after teaching previously at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, has joined the popular crowd.
"What I know is that this game is a great cause and kids get into it," Mr. Rosenberg said. "And it is great that we are around the skids outside the classroom."
Mr. Geremia revealed what he also cherishes.
"The best part is at the end of the game, and we congratulate each other," Mr. Geremia said.
While Mr. Geremia displayed his sportsmanship, Mr. Rosenberg shared what he considers the best part of the game.
"I am here to win. Whatever it takes."
Game on!
Here is a roster of all of the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School staff and students who will participate in the 2026 Big Nick Classic.
Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School Big Nick Classic 2026 Roster