Route 18 Sports Knows the Score

They know the area sports scene backwards and forwards.

From high schools to junior high schools, from recreation leagues to travel clubs and from the Monroe Falcons to the East Brunswick Bears, Route 18 Sports has been the go to place for equipment, jerseys, uniforms and even varsity jackets, since before Dave Razzano and John Catarino bought the shop five years ago from Jerry Gonyo, who began the business and still calls East Brunswick his home.

Since it opened in 1982, Route 18 sports has helped supply area high schools, including East Brunswick, Sayreville, South River, Colts Neck, North Brunswick Monroe and more with uniforms, and equipment for nearly every sport.

Singlets and shoes for wrestling, and the latest in state of the art protective gear, bats, balls and more can be bought for individual players or for entire teams.

“We usually get the latest and greatest, but it truly has to be the greatest,” said Catarino.

The shop also does customized designs for individuals, teams, leagues, clubs and organizations and works with Athletic Directors on large and small orders to make sure athletes get exactly what they need.

 “We’re like any other small business, we’re big on service,” said Catarino. “We’ll deliver, and we make sure everything is right. If something is wrong, we fix it. We go to great lengths to fix it.”

While service is a hallmark of their success, Razzano and Catarino both know the communities they serve and have families and children who have attended local schools and played area sports. The pair live with their families in East Brunswick and have coached school teams, recreation teams and club leagues. Razzano has even coached at the high school level. All of which helps then to better assess the needs of their customers.

“When you coach, you know exactly what they need and what works,” said Catarino.

While they have owned Route 18 Sports for five years, they’ve been involved in youth sports for much longer. Among the changes they’ve seen is in the number of sports young athletes play. These days, a youngster is much more likely to focus on one sport at a much earlier age than in the past.

“I’ve noticed a lot of kids are becoming more sport specific,” said Catarino. “If they’re in soccer at 9, then they’re in soccer all year round now.”

Route 18 Sports isn’t just about sports though.  The shop also specializes in official Boy Scouts of America items, including uniforms, caps, Pinewood Derby cars, handbooks, patches and more.

Route 18 Sports is located at 691 State Route 18, East Brunswick, N.J. 08816. Call them at 732-238-8417 or visit them on the web at www.route18sports.com.