Dowling best pick for BTHS football coach, super says

If there is one certainty that is well known around town, around the state, and of course, among our administration, staff, and Board of Education, it is that there is a lot of passion in Brick about Brick football, and it is because of Warren Wolf.

There seems to be an unfortunate misconception around our community that the administration and board is trying to tear down what Warren Wolf has built. As a long-standing member of the Brick schools community, I clarify that we would never do that and there is absolutely no reason that anyone on the administration or board would want to do that.

The program Mr. Wolf has built at Brick High is outstanding.

The next head coach at Brick Township High School (BTHS) will be one who has a deep passion to build on the legacy that Mr. Wolf has built, a legacy that we all respect.

This is an important issue to our community members, and I want to again clarify that the hiring process for this head coach was the same as the hiring process at Brick Memorial. It is also important to communicate that there is no place for politics in our classrooms or on our fields.

The decision on which the next head coach at BTHS would be was based is a candidate's head coaching experience, allaround teaching background, feedback from prior employers, and recommendations from the hiring committee. The recommendations from the hiring committee, which consisted of the two high school principals and athletic directors, was that three candidates be considered for the position.

Not two candidates, three. Every interview question was the same. Each applicant had the same opportunity to share their credentials, and all were strong candidates with much to be proud of.

My recommendation for Mr. Patrick Dowling as the next BTHS head coach was based on all of the above.

When I took the job as superintendent of schools here in Brick Township, it was my promise to the board and the community that all decisions I would make would be done in the best interest of our students. Based on the above hiring process, Mr. Dowling has not only strong head coaching experience, but also an outstanding reputation for his positive influence on students through leadership and guidance.

I agree with Mr. Wolf that this decision should be one that is about the boys and making sure we hire a head coach who respects and carries on the program Mr. Wolf built for the boys. I feel Mr. Dowling has the right combination of head coaching and teaching experience, understanding of our football pride, and is committed to carrying on and building upon our traditions here in Brick.

This administration and board prides itself on transparency. We hold an open-door policy and welcome all community members with concerns to address us directly. We always have and will provide answers within the law.

By law, personnel issues are confidential. We have provided all of the information to the community that is allowed. As I express at every board meeting, my door is always open and I am here to work for and with the community and staff by making sure administrative decisions better the educational experience for our students.
Walter Hrycenko
Superintendent of Schools
Brick