Wolf: School board 'dismantling' BTHS football coaching staff
High school social studies job never posted, superintendent says
BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer
Warren Wolf sat patiently at the recent Brick Township Board of Education meeting, waiting his turn to speak at the microphone during the public portion of the meeting.

And when it was his time, the man who founded and presided over the Brick Township High School football program for 51 years didn't mince words.

"You have done a remarkable job of dismantling a championship coaching staff," Wolf said. "Why, I don't know. I don't sleep well at night."

The board unanimously approved a number of staff transfers that night. One of them was Leonard Zdanowicz, an assistant line coach under Wolf. Zdanowicz also supervised the football players' weight training and conditioning program. Zdanowicz, who spent 12 years Brick Township High School, was transferred to Lake Riviera Middle School, starting this fall.

"He's got 12 years in the school district," Wolf said after the meeting. "I hope it's not a spiteful move. It's hard to take. He's been there for all these years."

Wolf also questioned why the board hired a new social studies teacher at the high school without posting the job.

Two other qualified candidates, both accredited social studies teachers who subbed in the Brick district and live in town, were also interested in the job, he said.

"They never got a chance to be interviewed," he said. "You had no comparison."

The position was not posted, Schools SuperintendentWalter J. Hrycenko said.

"We feel that person was qualified," Hrycenko told Wolf.

The newly hired social studies teacher is Adam Sacco, who will serve as defensive line coach, the position he held last season at Allentown High School under head football coach Patrick Dowling.

"I guess it was a done deal," Wolf said after the meeting. "Again, Brick Township kids don't get a chance."

Dowling's appointment to replace the legendary Wolf was a controversial one. The board appointed Dowling at a stormy meeting, where speaker after speaker, including Wolf, told the board that they should pick a Brick assistant coach to succeed Wolf as head coach.

Three other assistant coaches who served under Wolf, including Zdanowicz, have already accepted coaching positions in other schools. Zdanowicz will serve as line coach and strength and conditioning coach at Jackson Liberty High School. Brian Mc- Namara, Brick Township High School's defensive coordinator for the past eight seasons, will coach defensive backs at Jackson Memorial High School. Robert Dahl, a volunteer assistant line coach last season, has moved over to Jackson Memorial High School.

Dowling said in a recent interview with the Bulletin that some coaches left before he had a chance to speak with them about coaching possibilities.

Wolf also asked but did not get an answer to the question of why the board and school officials never reached out to him for recommendations on who should replace him after 51 years of coaching the Brick Township High School Green Dragons." You never asked me," he said.

"It's not you personally; we acted as a board," board President Daniel Woska said. "You know that, Mr. Wolf."

The football team has 12 returning varsity players this year, Wolf said.

"We left with a good football squad," he said. "I wish them luck."

"I'm very hurt," Wolf added, as he left the microphone. "Thank you."

"I take it very personally," Wolf said after the meeting. "I leave after 51 years and I feel almost as if I'm a renegade."

Nevertheless, he's still working on his book about 51 years of Brick Township High School football, with a section devoted to each year. Wolf hopes to have the book completed by Christmas.

"I'm up to 2001," he said on Sunday.

And he still plans on attending some Brick Township High School football games in the fall with his wife, Peg.

"I'm rooting for our kids," he said. "I'm rooting for them to have a championship season. I'm for the Brick Township Green Dragons 100 percent. I wish them well."