Donald J. Brower| GardenStateHSWrestling.com | September 9, 2023
With each new season of wrestling comes change. Whether it’s a talented group of athletes moving onto the next level or a promising crop joining the ranks, its always new faces representing the squads. That also includes the coaches leading the programs as the GardenStateHSWrestling.com has seen a few changes in the corners.
The first one wasn’t so much a surprise in who left but who took over as North Hunterdon’s Chris Hrunka stepped down from the position. After leading the team to the Group 4 championship and Logan Wadle to the school first individual state championship in 20 years, I had a feeling he wanted to step down. He has two young children and I am sure wants to spend as much time with them as possible. Gone are the days of the coaches who stay 20-25 years at one position.
His replacement had the state buzzing as former longtime Bergen Catholic coach Dave Bell accepted the position. Bell, who stepped down from the Crusaders the night before districts last year, wasn’t in the conversation for the job until very late in the process. He fell in love with the programs set up and felt they could succeed. Despite losing a lot of talent to graduation, Bell has high expectations for the team.
“I told them I wouldn’t accept the idea we may struggle,” Bell said. “In my eyes, we’re a contender.”
Another school in the area and right up Route 31 that will have a new head voice in the corner is Warren Hills where K.C. Wanamaker takes over the reigns of the Warren County school. The new head coach is excited about taking over.
“It’s a Dream come true, taking over at my alma mater,” Wanamaker said. “I absolutely love this school, this community, and most importantly – this group of student-athletes. I love these guys and will do everything in my power to put them in positions to succeed – both on the mat and in their development into societal leaders.”
Heading over to Butler, Jason Luciani retired from the position with news coming out at the Morris County Wrestling Luncheon which turned it into an impromptu going away party. The school has turned the program over to a first-time head coach in Tim Mickens. He wants to continue the growth of the program that Luciani helped foster while putting his own mark on it.
“I’m extremely grateful to be given an opportunity as a young/new head coach in the sport to be at Butler,” Mickens said. “There is definitely pressure to maintain a certain success that has been achieved here but I’m excited to and grow the program going forward.”
In Montville, for the first time in over 20 years the Mustangs will have a new head man. John Krip stepped down after last season and over 300 wins as coach. In his place will be Brian Kapral. He knows the reason Montville is such a high-profile job is because of the hard work his predecessor put in.
“The history and success of Montville Wrestling is because of Coach Krip.’ Kapral said. “He was the perfect person to take over a program in the late 90s that needed a lot of help. He is the most successful wrestling coach ever at Montville High School. His dedication and commitment to building strong relationships within the Montville Wrestling program and town community is what lead to all of the individual and town success. It is now my responsible to continue what he has created.”
Finally, the Jefferson Township Falcons are the last team that had a chance as Matt Moscatello was hired as the Coordinator of Athletics and Activities at West Morris. As a result, he had to step down due to the NJSIAA rule regarding administration holding coaching positions. (Boonton AD and Head Coach Dave Hughen was grandfathered in). The school didn’t have to look to far for a replacement as Chris Lantz takes over after two seasons as an assistant. He is thrilled to be in charge.
“It’s an exciting time,” Lantz said. “The program and the wrestling community really took me in like one of their own the last two seasons. Coach Moscatello has done a tremendous job building this program and I’m excited to continue the tradition and culture. We have a very tough veteran team this year and I’m hoping to take them to the next level, along with the help of my new staff, and bring a sectional title back to Jefferson.”
While not as many coaching positions changed as in recent years, the excitement of a new voice leading the practices can inspire a squad to perform better. We wish the best of luck to all the new and returning coaches on a successful 2023-2024 season.
***In addition to these new faces previously mentioned, Phillipsburg will also be led by a new voice but as of press time that person was unknown. We will keep an eye on that developing situation and report once we know who will be the head coach.***
