Candidates prepare applications to replace Wolf

Len Zdanowicz and Don Marino are expected to file applications for the head coaching position for Brick Township's football team as the job is being posted this week, according to sources close to the school.

Zdanowicz has spent the last 10 years as the offensive and defensive line coach and also has organized the off-season strength and conditioning program for the returning players. Zdanowicz has been running the leaderless program the past month.

Marino has spent 17 years coaching the freshmen, and has been the head coach since 2003 after spending the years prior to that as offensive coordinator.

They are believed to be the only members of the staff seeking to succeed legendary coach Warren Wolf, who drew to a close a half-century of excellence as the only coach ever at the school that includes 361 victories, 25 state section playoff titles and 13 conference championships.

"I know that it will be an uphill climb," said Marino, a North Bergen native who has worked as a Hudson County fireman. "I know I could be going against varsity head coaches (applying for the job) who played here in Brick."

Jackson Liberty coach Tom Osborne and Monsignor Donovan head coach Dan Duddy are Brick alumni who reportedly could be applying for the position.

Brick Township Athletic Director Rich Handchen said he expects a large number of applicants but hopes to narrow the field or interviews within the next two weeks.

What Marino feels helps his chances against alumni coaching outside of the district is that he has been a fixture with the up-and-coming players and has had perennial success, even though he must start all over again each year. Brick Township last fall was 8-1 and again had the best record among conference teams playing in the Constitution Division of the Shore Conference. They overcame an early 13-0 deficit and beat Brick Memorial, 14-13, in the final game of the season.

Marino is 43-12 in his six years as head coach. The team is 108-45-3 since he came aboard in 1992.

"Almost every year we're on top of our conference," said Marino. "We pride ourselves on getting guys who never played together before and getting them ready to play. I know the boys and am familiar with the conditions of the township. I'm hoping that does help. There aren't a lot out there who know who I am outside of the inner circle. "M

arino said he has had turnouts of more than 30 players per season, and this year had 42 players come out and 39 stay on at the end of the season.

"I think the freshmen relate to the coaches well. It's amazing the time we all put in, coaches and

players," said Marino. "But after 17 years, I welcome the opportunity to take a group (long term) and see what they produce (as varsity coach)."

Marino said the team has its own style offensively and defensively based on personnel but said that it does try to mirror some of the plays the varsity runs so the young players will be familiar with the schemes as they move up to varsity. He said the freshman team lately runs the Delaware wing T, spread offense and the option as the varsity did this past season.

Wolf revived the Delaware this season after moving away from it in recent years and Marino said he was in regular communication with Wolf during the season to keep his team parallel to the varsity.

"Now, it's kind of hectic; they're still

feeling it out as to where they will go with the (application) process," said Marino.

Marino said he has not yet spoken about his applying to Wolf. Wolf said he will offer input to the selection committee "if I am asked."

Brick Township finished the 6-4 season with a Thanksgiving Day game victory over archrival Brick Memorial in the final game coached by the 81-year-old Wolf. The team made the

NJSIAA playoffs for the second straight year, moving to the Group III South Jersey bracket where it lost its playoff opener to Triton. The winning record broke a three-year run of .500 seasons.