Veterans Day Spotlight - TSgt George Linen Sr.
VINELAND - On this Veterans Day, RCSJ-Cumberland Athletics is proud to honor all of our veterans who continue to serve our nation each day. One veteran in particular that we would grateful to have in our #DukesFamily is Head Women's Basketball Coach, TSgt George Linen Sr. "Sarge" officially joined the #DukesFamily on June 16, 2022 and has already turned the tide for the Dukes Women's Basketball program. This time last year, the Dukes entered year 3 of being dormant and so the program needed a jolt. Enter Sarge Linen.
The United States Air Force veteran of over 20 years entered the picture and the Women's Basketball program immediately came alive as the roster went from 2 players to 11 players in a matter of weeks. Local stars such as Tatyana Chandler, Zhoei Travis, Scotti Walker, and Julianna Wilson committed to Cumberland to join Sydney King and Meadow Avant. Then came Karley Jacobs, Shanajah Williams, and Mikeyla Rivera. The Dukes were now trending upwards with Sarge at the wheel.
Despite a tough season opening loss to DII Essex County on November 3, the Dukes came right back a week later to nearly upset perennial contender Brookdale CC. Cumberland lead for the majority of the matchup, but a Brookdale lay in with less than a minute to go would become the eventual game winner as the Dukes would fall to 0-2 with a 66-64 loss to the Jersey Blues. There was much to be proud of considering where the Dukes started and that can be attributed to Sarge.
Director of Athletics, Jonathan Dijamco, shares his thoughts: "When the coaching search began, Sarge was one of our top targets. When he expressed interest, I was surprised quite frankly considering he is practically a legend at Bridgeton High School. When he came on board, I knew we had someone special when players began contacting him and our staff to enroll at Cumberland. With Sarge on the Women's side and Coach Stalling on the Men's side, the RCSJ-Cumberland community is extremely fortunate to have these coaches leading our programs. After last night's game against Brookdale, I shot Sarge a text and told him how grateful we were to have him on staff and I meant every word of it."
TSgt George Linen Sr. retired honorably after serving in the United States Air Force for over 20 years. Sarge has been the Air Force JROTC Aerospace Science Instructor at Bridgeton High School since 2007 where he is beloved by the students and Bridgeton Bulldogs community. He was born and raised in Newark, NJ where he met his high school sweetheart, Lennita, and they have been married for over 30 years. He received his bachelor's degree from Ashford University in Educational Studies and holds associates degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in Human Resources Management, Occupational Education, and Aircraft Maintenance. Sarge is a father of four, grandfather of four, and lives by the Air Force values: "Integrity first, service before self, and Excellence in all that you do".
We are proud of all of our veterans, including Coach Linen, who continue to lead and inspire our #DukesFamily on a daily basis.