New Jersey City University Athletics

Jack was JCSC’s highly successful football coach for eight seasons. His teams posted a 48-15 record (.760) during his tenure. In 1966, the Gothic first year “Club” team went undefeated (6-0). In 1972, Coach Stephans’ team finished in a three-way tie for the New Jersey State College Athletic Conference Championship and was ranked tenth in the prestigious Lambert Bowl ratings. Jersey City State was 9-1 in 1973 finishing fourth in the Lambert Bowl balloting.

According to the 1972 NCAA Division III statistics, Jersey City State ranked seventh in total defense (169.9 total yards per game) and ninth in pass defense allowing a meager 71.4 yards per game.  In 1973 the Gothics ranked third in passing offense (208 yards per game) and fourth in points scored per game (34.9 average).

Three of Coach Stephans’ former players- Charles Tyburski, Joseph Di Vincenzo and Bruce Naszimento have preceded him into JCSC’s Hall of Fame. A fourth player, Bill Byrne, will be enshrined this evening along with his coach.

After leaving Jersey City State, Jack coached at William Paterson College and Fordham University.