Fort Lee High School Teacher Aims to Bring Alumni Back to the Fold

One Fort Lee teacher is working to recruit borough basketball alum in an effort to boost local pride, tradition, and keep past Bridgemen up to date.

James Puliatte, a Fort Lee High School teacher for just over 6 years, the assistant boys basketball coach, head junior varsity coach and freshman volleyball coach, is spearheading the initiative.

“We are trying to instill a bigger sense of pride and tradition into our basketball program and believe this is the first step down a long road," he said. "We want our players to understand that win or lose, by wearing the Bridgemen uniform they are joining a fraternal brotherhood which includes all Bridgemen that came before them.”

Puliatte created a web page that makes it easy for alumni to submit their information, and a Facebook page where basketball alum can connect.

This coming school year will also be the third in which Puliatte, 29, will be running the Fort Lee Fanatics, a student fan group.

“We believe by having a strong alumni group our team will realize that playing for the Fort Lee name is a privilege, not a right and they are not only playing for themselves but all the Bridgemen that once wore the same colors,” he said. 

You can keep up with the Fort Lee High School Varsity Boy's Basketball Team on Twitter or on its website.