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The student news site of Bernards High School

The Crimson

The student news site of Bernards High School

The Crimson

The student news site of Bernards High School

The Crimson

Matt Lesnik

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief

Matt Lesnik is a senior at Bernards, in his fourth year of journalism. He is an avid sports fan, enjoying football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. In their 2020 season, Matt covered Bernards’ football team for Central Jersey Sports Radio. Matt is the PA announcer for the boys and girls basketball games at BHS, and will be calling play-by-play for the football games. He is the host of the school podcast, The Crimson Podcast

All content by Matt Lesnik

Interview w/ Mrs. Hunkele

On this episode of The Crimson Podcast, the guys welcome on Mrs. Hunkele, the advisor to The Crimson newspaper and english teacher at Bernards.

Teacher vacancies lead to overflow assignments in schedules

At BHS, some teachers have extra classes in their schedules in order to compensate for a staff shortage, and the issue is being worked on to get resolved.

Sydney Kaul and Jane Holmes conducting an Article idea meeting

[Photo] Crimson staff Seniors

Jane Holmes, Editor-In-Chief
May 4, 2023

Sydney Kaul and Jane Holmes conducting an Article idea meeting

Interview w/ Jake Ballard

On this episode of The Crimson Podcast, the guys welcome on Jake Ballard, thrower for the Bernards Track & Field team.

A bagel, a very common breakfast food, wrapped in tinfoil.

[Photo] Benefits of eating breakfast/correlation to success

Soren Austenberg, Staff Writer
April 27, 2023

A bagel, a very common breakfast food, wrapped in tinfoil.

The Boys Lacrosse team in the pre-game huddle before their game at Randolph. Ar5media gave BHS Crimson permission to use photo.

Spring sports midseason updates

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
May 3, 2023

The spring sports season is well underway, and each team is experiencing great success. Both the boys and girls lacrosse teams have been playing very well, leading to records of 8-2 and 9-2 respectively....

Signing Day at BHS

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
May 2, 2023

Senior athletes at BHS commit to their schools where they will continue their athletic and academic careers.

Matt Lesnik on the field at a Giants game.

Matt Lesnik’s 4th and final annual NFL Mock Draft

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
April 24, 2023

Carolina Panthers (via Chicago): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama The Panthers gave up a package of two first round picks, two second round picks, and star WR DJ Moore to the Bears to move up eight spots....

high school student's iPhone screen container of various social media apps

Utah releases details of new social media laws

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
April 12, 2023

On March 23rd, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed a law into place that would set restrictions on social media users under 18. The law would require the social media companies to get parental consent...

Interview w/ Athletic Trainer James Horan

On this episode of The Crimson Podcast, the guys welcome on James Horan, the Athletic Trainer at Bernards High School, for an interview.

Interviews w/ Sydney Osborne and Brody Watt

On this episode of The Crimson Podcast, the guys welcome on Sydney Osborne and Brody Watt, two Bernards runners who have advanced to Nationals for Winter Track. Recorded 3/3/23.

Inside The Crimson

Matt Lesnik, Ari Rosen, Matt Mariani, and Spencer Saltz
February 27, 2023

Matt Lesnik, Matt Mariani, Ari Rosen, and Spencer Saltz take a behind the scenes look into the "The Crimson" and the process behind making the school newspaper.

James the Trainer at a spring boys lacrosse game

Athletic trainer month acknowledges the pivotal role trainers play in athletes careers

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
February 23, 2023

Bernards High School offers twenty-one different sports across three seasons. Each sport varies in rules, regulations, and physicality. However, one thing they all have in common is the risk of injury....

Baseball preview w/ Coach Falzarano

Matt Lesnik, Matt Mariani, Ari Rosen, and Spencer Saltz
February 16, 2023

On this episode of The Crimson Podcast, the guys welcome on Mr. Falzarano, the head coach of the Mountaineers baseball team.

Interview w/ Mr. Johnson

Matt Lesnik, Matt Mariani, Ari Rosen, and Spencer Saltz
February 13, 2023

On this episode of The Crimson Podcast, the guys welcome on Mr. Johnson, one of the basketball coaches and guidance counselors at BHS. Recorded 2/10/2023

Interview w/ Coach Spautz

On this episode of The Crimson Podcast, the guys welcome on Coach Spautz, one of the hockey coaches at BHS, as well one of the gym teachers and the auto safety teacher.

Interview w/ Girls Basketball Seniors

On this episode of The Crimson Podcast, the guys welcome on the seniors from the girls basketball team: Maggie Dolan, Syd Incarnato, Noelle Infusino, Amina Shoukry, and Elizabeth Simpson.

The Coffee Shop bought out storefront adjacent to pre-existing Coffee Shop. It is now being used as additional dining space

[Photo] The Coffee Shop announces its expansion

Madison Ferruggia, News and In-Depth Editor
December 29, 2022

The Coffee Shop bought out storefront adjacent to pre-existing Coffee Shop. It is now being used as additional dining space

Coffee shop updates outdoor appearance and seating, which will soon be followed by updates and expansions indoors

[Photo] The Coffee Shop announces upcoming expansion

Madison Ferruggia, News and In-Depth Editor
December 30, 2022

Coffee shop updates outdoor appearance and seating, which will soon be followed by updates and expansions indoors

Image shows protests against the hate and the rise in Anti-semitism

A global rise in Antisemitism: A Jewish student’s perspective

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
November 19, 2022

I’ve never considered myself an activist. I never felt I needed to be since nothing ever affected me. Selfish, yes, but it’s just the mindset I have always had. Not to say I don’t support any causes,...

Ridge High School hosts annual College Fair for Ridge and Bernards students

The 2022 College Fair At Ridge High school

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
October 17, 2022

Ridge High School hosts annual College Fair for Ridge and Bernards students

Senior Nicolo Caminiti clearing the bar in high jump

Bernards track team takes to Sectional Finals

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
June 9, 2022

On June 3rd and 4th, BHS track team members who qualified took to Randolph High for the sectional championship. Bernards’ roster consisted of 51 athletes across various events. Among those who participated,...

Aidan Hutchison

Matt Lesnik’s 3rd Annual NFL mock draft

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
April 8, 2022

Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchitson, Edge Rusher, Michigan At this point, Hutchinson is the consensus #1 pick after a monster season at Michigan, where he put up 14 sacks on the season. After spending...

Photo of Bagel Bin building in Olcott Square in Bernardsville.

[Photo] Downtown redevelopment threatens Bagel Bin closure

Ava Highland, Editor-In-Chief
April 8, 2022

Photo of Bagel Bin building in Olcott Square in Bernardsville.

Post sports winter season accomplishments

Post sports winter season accomplishments

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
March 18, 2022

The 2021-22 winter sports season brought some incredible performances by Bernards athletes. Two of those athletes were Sean Hunnewell on the wrestling team and Austin Tondo on the ski team. Hunnewell was...

Big name artists continue to remove music from Spotify

Big name artists continue to remove music from Spotify

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
February 28, 2022

COVID-19 vaccine misinformation has been a big issue over the last year. There have been many big sources spreading rumors about the vaccine, but many point to one for a lot of the blame: Joe Rogan. Rogan...

The first Baseball Hall of Fame Class

David Ortiz elected to Baseball Hall of fame, Bonds and Clemens left out

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
February 1, 2022

The Baseball Writers Association of America has voted David Ortiz into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ortiz was a 3x World Series Champion, 10x All-Star, and the 2013 World Series MVP, and received 77.9% of...

Guidance office decorated for Valentine's Day

[Photo] Underclassmen scheduling for 2022-23 school year underway

Timothy Pagonis, Staff-writer
January 25, 2022

Guidance office decorated for Valentine's Day

Coach of Georgia Kirby Smart wins first championship

College football Championship ends with crazy finish

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
January 12, 2022

On January 10th, 2022, the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 33-18 to win the College Football Playoff National Championship. The title marks head coach Kirby Smart’s first as head coach...

BHS goes virtual for day before winter break

BHS goes virtual for day before winter break

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
December 22, 2021

For the first time this school year, Bernards High School will go fully virtual for tomorrow due to COVID-19 concerns. The number of cases in the school have been rising, with 23 on the week and 11 just...

MLB Free Agency Recap

MLB Free Agency Recap

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
December 17, 2021

The MLB offseason is underway, and already, it has been one of the most eventful in recent years. With many big name players becoming free agents, a lot of teams have been willing to open up the check...

hallways of BHS light up with holiday cheer

hallways of BHS light up with holiday cheer

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
December 6, 2021

Every year during the holiday season, Bernards High School does a multitude of holiday themed activities to spread spirit and joy. One of which being the holiday door decorating contest between the English...

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott

Preview of NFL Thanksgiving Day Games

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
November 24, 2021

Thanksgiving football, one of Thanksgiving’s best pastimes. This, of course, pertains to the NFL, who will once again be airing three games this Thursday. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will once...

Aidan Brown and Taejin Beckerman with their Peer Leaders group

[Photo] Peer Leaders returns to normal after pandemic school year

Sydney Kaul, Editor-in-Chief
November 22, 2021

Aidan Brown and Taejin Beckerman with their Peer Leaders group

Home page for online course

Students not in favor of online physics course

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
November 22, 2021

Before the pandemic hit, most classes were taught in person with an instructor present in the classroom. During the pandemic, that partially stayed the same, as even though classes moved online, a teacher...

Beckham Jr. with the Browns

Browns release Odell Beckham Jr.

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
November 11, 2021

After an extremely rocky and tumultuous tenure, the Cleveland Browns have released star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after two and a half seasons with the team. Beckham, 28, was acquired from the...

Fantasy Football: the most played fantasy game

Fantasy Football: the most played fantasy game

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
October 29, 2021

Football season, a time of pleasure, sorrow, and lots of debate for fans of every team. But no matter what team they root for, most football fans have one thing in common: They have a fantasy football...

2021 NFL Mock Draft

2021 NFL Mock Draft

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
April 27, 2021

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson The consensus top pick in the draft, teams have been “Tanking for Trevor” since his freshman year at Clemson. Lawrence is considered a generational...

Yankees season preview

Yankees season preview

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
March 31, 2021

Baseball season and the MLB are back, and opening day is this Thursday, April 1st. The Mets and Yankees had very different offseasons, but have the same outlook going into the season. New York baseball...

Mens March Madness Preview

Mens March Madness Preview

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
March 15, 2021

Gonzaga: One of the greatest teams over the last 20 years, the Bulldogs are yet to take home the title. However, like so many others, this could be their year. Coming off a 26-0 regular season, along with...

Buccaneers  Defeat Chiefs In Super Bowl LV

Buccaneers Defeat Chiefs In Super Bowl LV

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
February 9, 2021

The Tampa bay Buccaneers have defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl LV. Led by Tom Brady, the Buccaneers win their second Super Bowl in franchise history at their home stadium, while preventing...

Hank Aaron and Larry King Pass Away

Hank Aaron and Larry King Pass Away

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
January 24, 2021

On January 22, 2021, baseball legend Hank Aaron passed away at age 86. Aaron, who is second all time in home runs with 755, was a baseball pioneer, and was looked up to by many. Aaron began his career...

Ken Jennings Guests Hosts 'Jeopardy!'

Ken Jennings Guests Hosts ‘Jeopardy!’

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
January 22, 2021

On November 8, 2020, the world lost the beloved host of Jeopardy! and television icon, Alex Trebek. In March 2019, Trebek announced he had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, and in spite of...

How May the Inauguration Look?

How May the Inauguration Look?

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
January 15, 2021

The entire country is still in shock about the events that took place on January 6th. Many Pro-Trump rioters broke into the U.S Capitol, and it is apparent that the security at the Capitol is not as strong...

A Historic Month for Women in Sports

A Historic Month for Women in Sports

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
December 15, 2020

Over the past month, there have been some truly groundbreaking events in sports that are encouraging to young women everywhere. First, the Miami Marlins hired Kim Ng as General Manager, making her the...

The Death of John Lennon: 40 Years Later

The Death of John Lennon: 40 Years Later

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
December 8, 2020

December 8, 1980, an ordinary day for twenty-three hours. The sun rose, shined, and set. Nothing was out of the ordinary for John Lennon, either. He left home, signed some autographs, did a photoshoot,...

Yankees Acquire Somerset Patriots

Yankees Acquire Somerset Patriots

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
November 25, 2020

For those who live in Central Jersey, going to a Somerset Patriots game is a must do, and something that most from around the area have done. Now, their games are about to get a little more exciting, as...

Why We Should Not Hand Out Participation Trophies

Why We Should Not Hand Out Participation Trophies

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
November 13, 2020

Throughout the years, if you win a contest, or a sporting event, or anything for that matter, you normally get a reward. Whether that would be a medal, ribbon, trophy, or a gift certificate, you would...

Free image/jpeg, Resolution: 800x600, File size: 37Kb, Logo of Los Angeles Dodgers clipart

Los Angeles Dodgers Win World Series, Justin Turner Tests Positive for COVID-19

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
November 9, 2020

The 2020 MLB season was filled with much uncertainty, and many did not know if they would be able to finish the whole season. However, they did, and on October 27th, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the...

The High Holy Days During COVID-19

The High Holy Days During COVID-19

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
October 22, 2020

The High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the ten days in between. Rosh Hashanah is the New Year on the Jewish calendar, as it translates to “head of the new year”. Then there is Yom Kippur,...

Staff at Bryan Manor, a senior living center in Gladstone, are working hard to ensure the safety of the residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.

How Senior Centers are handling the COVID-19 outbreak

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
May 1, 2020

During this Pandemic, nobody is in more danger than senior citizens. They are the most immunocompromised people on the planet, and if they have a pre-existing health condition, that makes it even worse....

NFL Draft Predictions

NFL Draft Predictions

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
April 18, 2020

  The 2020 NFL Draft will take place April 23-25, and the Crimson shares our predictions for the top 10 athletes who will get picked, in what order, and to which team: Joe Burrow - The Bengals...

Community affect of COVID-19

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
April 16, 2020

Right now many americans are dealing with an unprecidented time in the history of the United States. Non-essential businesses are closing, workers are being forced to stay home, schooling is taking...

The community affect of COVID-19

The community affect of COVID-19

Matt Lesnik, Editor-In-Chief
April 3, 2020

Right now many americans are dealing with an unprecidented time in the history of the United States. Non-essential businesses are closing, workers are being forced to stay home, schooling is taking place...

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