After 30 years s as head coach of the East Brunswick Bears varsity football team, Marcus Borden told his players Wednesday that he was stepping down.

"The impact Coach Borden has made to our athletic department and in particular the football program can not be measured in championships alone but more importantly on the life as well as lessons he has instilled in his players," sand Frank Noppenberger, supervisor of Athletics and Physical Education. "Terms such as team player and sportsmanship, and commitment are just the lessons he consistently emphasized during summer conditioning, practices and preparation for every season.  On a personal level I will miss his genuine enthusiasm before the season and his attention to detail, as well as his loyalty." 

Despite a few slow recent seasons, Borden was incredibly successful during his tenure in East Brunswick, compiling a record of 142-131-1. He reached the state finals in 1985 and 1985, the state semis in 1987, 1988 1990 and in 1994, and was Central Jersey Group IV State Champions in 2004 and 2009. In 2010 the squad reached the Central Jersey Group IV quarterfinals.

Before coming to East Brunswick, Borden was defensive coordinator for two years at Bethlehem Catholic. and spent four years as an assistant at Lehigh University from 1977 to 1981.

Coach Borden did not respond to requests for comment.

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