Football Drama In Brick

Here’s the latest development on a story that I’ve talked about a few times in recent weeks.

Reports say about 70 supporters of Brick Township High School football turned out at last night’s Board Meeting to express their displeasure over the situation regarding a new football coach. Those people and others in attendance were told by Superintendent Walter Hrycenko that it was his recommendation that Patrick Dowling be the next head coach and the replacement for Warren Wolf who retired at the end of his 51st season as the only coach in school history. While no official action has been taken because of the failed school budget, Hrycenko said he and not the school board made the decision to recommend Dowling who coached at Allentown last season and Monroe before that. Wolf was not only at last night’s meeting but spoke and is quoted as saying “You’re doing this either because you hate Brick Township football or you hate Warren Wolf.” The longtime Green Dragon coaching icon wanted the job to go to someone with a connection to the program and the other finalists for the position included current assistant Len Zdanowicz and former player and assistant coach Tim Osborne, who is now the head coach at Jackson Liberty. To make his feelings clear Wolf announced last night he would like to rescind his resignation to retire.

Here is my take on the situation which has taken way too long to resolve and has become an albatross for the Superintendent and school board. When Joe Paterno retires at Penn State you can bet your life his replacement will be someone who bleeds blue and white. Brick should have and can still do the same only the colors are green and white. This is not about Dowling who has the credentials and has handled this touchy situation with class. This is about honoring Wolf’s only request that the job go to a Brick boy. Traditions don’t die easy…and they shouldn’t.