OUR STORY

Robert Arena passed away suddenly Monday, October 18, 2021.  Rob was a "Larger than Life" person, and to know him was to love him. Big heart, big smile, big biceps, big teddy bear. A special ed teacher by training, a phenomenal girls track coach by heart.

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Robert Coached Girls Cross Country, Girls Track and Field - Winter, and Girls Track and Field - Spring. It is difficult to put into words what his student-athletes meant to him. Coach Arena believed in his girls before they believed in themselves. He spent countless afternoons, evenings, and weekends fostering a culture of dedication, determination, and hard work. Coach Arena always said, hard work is more important than talent, and that hard work paid off.

 

Before Coach Arena joined them, Snyder had not won the Indoor County Championship since 1998 or an Outdoor County Championship since 1984. Coach Arena proudly led his track teams to victories including Hudson County Varsity Girls Indoor Track & Field Champions (2017, 2019), Jersey City Frosh/Soph Girls Indoor Track & Field Champions (2017, 2018), Hudson County Frosh/Soph Indoor Track & Field Champions (2018), HCIAL Varsity Girls Indoor Relay Champions (2019), Jersey City Varsity Girls Outdoor Track & Field Champions (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021), Jersey City Frosh/Soph Girls Outdoor Track & Field Champions (2016), Hudson County Varsity Girls Outdoor Track & Field Champions (2019), Hudson County Frosh/Soph Girls Outdoor Track & Field Champions (2018), New Balance National Qualifiers (2017-2021), and 6th Place All American Mixed Relay (2021). He was humbled and honored to be named the Hudson County Track Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2017 and the Snyder High School Coach of the Year 3 times. Robert was a hopeful contender for 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. Coach Arena was excited to lead his team to another win at the upcoming HCTCA Cross Country Championship on October 30, 2021.