The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) community recently bid a sad goodbye to one of its most beloved mentors, state championship-winning football coach, Jerry Schulte.

The coach was remembered as a stand-out leader at RFH and beyond, many at RFH recalling some of his finest qualities and career moments.

“Legions of past and current Bulldog football players remember Coach Schulte for his calm, quiet demeanor, and the high expectations he held for them. The entire RFH community will fondly look back on his unwavering service and commitment to the players, the program and the school. Our hearts are full of gratitude for both the lessons Coach Schulte taught and the championships that he was able to bring home to RFH.”

RFH officials in a released statement

About Coach Jerry Schulte …

The 2023 football season was Coach Schulte’s 50th as a coach. He was inducted into the Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Fame in 2023.

His career coaching record of 109-64-1 is reflects his unwavering dedication and diligence as a coach throughout his career first at Keansburg High School, then Mater Dei, Wall, and Monmouth Regional before RFH.

Coach Schulte joined the RFH program in 2005 as defensive coordinator under head coach Shane Fallon and was with the program until 2023. 

During his tenure as defensive coordinator, RFH won four sectional titles in six seasons. His defensive units were known for being prepared, playing unselfish assignment-oriented defense, and swarming to the football.

Coach Schulte was named head coach at RFH in February of 2016, and the Bulldogs won a sectional title that year. Schulte led RFH to another sectional title in 2018. And the Bulldogs finished as runners-up in 2017, 2019 and 2021.

Stepping down after the 2021 season, Coach Schulte was replaced by his son, Jeremy, a teacher, coach and advisor at RFH. Jerry Schulte served as his son’s defensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023, when RFH finished as Group 2 runner-up.

— Edited press release from RFH

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