Talking Hoops, Life, & More

I have known Steve Zengel since the mid 90’s when he was the basketball coach at Point Pleasant Beach High School. Calling him a “hoops junkie” would be an understatement…he’s more like a basketball nomad who along the way has also coached at Red Bank, Hampton University, Central Regional and for many years in the JSBL. An alumnus of tradition-rich Villanova University, Zengel has rubbed elbows with many well-known coaches and players over the years and has built a pretty good network of those who understand and love the game.

It was a few years ago that he actually approached me with an idea he had. An admitted sports fan who will talk to just about anyone about anything, Zengel wanted to do a show in which he would stroll down memory lane with Jersey Shore iconic sports figures. Things did not move quickly for various reasons including that little storm in October of 2012 but finally, last summer Shore Legends was born. Zengel hosted a weekly live podcast that originated from Bar Anticipation and talked basketball with the likes of Bob Scrabis, Brian Lynch, Ron Krayl, Jason Thompson, Randy Holmes, John Giraldo and Gerry Matthews. The show debuted in June and in the fall moved from Bar A to River Rock in Brick until mid-December. Zengel spent the first half of 2017 at the advice of others re-tooling the show to be more than just conversations with fellow “hoops junkies” but rather include those from New Jersey who have accomplished much in their lives and careers.

Fast forward to the summer of 2017 in which the married father of twin 13-year old boys has a new show in a new location. “Jersey Ties” has found a regular home at Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar and each Wednesday will catch up with some pretty cool people who called New Jersey home (that’s his line from a newspaper ad). The live podcast on Facebook @Shore Legends or on YouTube @Steve Zengel started last month and among those who have appeared were former CBA Coach Ed Wicelinski, ex-West Virginia standout Wellington Smith and John Crotty (CBA Class of 1987) who played 11 seasons in the NBA. Already booked for later this summer are Bob Hurley Sr., Jack Ford, Joe Scott, Kyle Anderson, Grant Billmeier and the brother/sister duo of Scott and Rachel Goodale.

Oh, and there is one more guest I should mention. Yours truly gets to talk hoops, radio, life and more this Wednesday (July 12) so stop by Beach Haus Brewery and say hello or check out the live podcast. Clearly, I don’t belong in such esteemed company as his other guests but if Steve is paying for the beer then I’m on my way.