Darius Pemberton, a former Hackensack High School star, has taken on the role of athletic director as of August 3. He replaces Scooter Whiting, who passed away in May. Pemberton, an accomplished athlete himself, emphasizes his commitment to revitalizing Hackensack鈥檚 athletic program and rekindling its history of excellence. With deep local roots, he aims to tap into community resources to counteract challenges posed by recent budget cuts affecting sports programs. 鈥淲e need to move back to dominance,鈥� he stated, focusing on bringing Hackensack back to its glory days.

By the Numbers
  • Pemberton is 51 years old and started as athletic director on August 3.
  • He is returning to a school with a rich athletic history, once dominant in the 90s.
State of Play
  • Pemberton's leadership comes after the untimely death of beloved AD Scooter Whiting.
  • Budget cuts have led to the cancellation of the golf program and junior varsity tennis.
What's Next

Pemberton plans to seek out grants, donations, and business sponsorships to enhance athletic opportunities at Hackensack. He envisions rebuilding the community's engagement and support around local sports. Future initiatives may include reviving cut programs and fostering stronger partnerships with local businesses.

Bottom Line

Darius Pemberton is poised to reinvigorate Hackensack High School's athletic program by leveraging community ties and innovative funding strategies. His commitment to excellence and belief in local resources may restore the school's competitive edge in high school athletics.