You saw the 40 Power Players in North Jersey list on Christmas, but don’t you really want to know who else was on the list? I mean, who was 41 and beyond?
This was another fun project (yeah, right), at least I had the list from 2012 to look back on as a guide. I knew Karcich had to be number 1 this year, and I also knew there were some people that I left off in 2012 that had to be on, like Ron Kistner, the Director of Bergen Parks. I mean, that was a total brain lock. Same thing for Tara Madigan.
I didn’t have any set criteria to go by, but I mean, you just kind of know. North Jersey athletics is actually pretty well organized, and like anything else, you have coaches and athletic directors who do more than there fair share. It’s pretty easy to put someone like Paul Heenehan on the list, he hits all of the things you would be looking for. He’s been successful, he’s got longevity (and one of the most unintentionally funny Twitter pictures of all time), he’s a director of the Bergen girls soccer tournament and a presence at Ramapo athletic events not matter the sport.
Throw in the North Jersey connections to the NJSIAA, and it’s pretty easy to see who has power. My No. 37, Greg Bailey, is probably someone you’ve seen if you’ve been to a lot of North Jersey football games and basketball games, but you wouldn’t know his name, he’s a ref, but he’s also in line to be President of the NJSIAA in a few years. That’s kind of a big deal.
In no particular order, here were 25 names that I left off the list.
Jason Schlereth – he’s no longer the AD at IHA, but still the swim coach at Bergen and IHA.
Joe Dziezawiec – still does an amazing job running the Passaic County sports web site, he has a great archive of information
Louie Lazzari – I mean, when it comes to wrestling knowledge, who knows more than Screwy?
Karla Mixon – Ridgewood girls lacrosse coach
Darren White – Darren probably could be in the top 40, but I may be biased against him because I consider him a good personal friend, but he coaches 3 sports, and runs the softball Bergen County Tournament. And he knows gymnastics too.
Steve Silver – Stepped down from IHA as the soccer coach, still one of the best basketball coaches around
Tony Gonzalez – 33 years now. The man is Ridgefield Park. I’m so glad to see he’s healthy now and he really likes his football team next year.
Jerry Emison – Just simply one of the best gentlemen in North Jersey, and when I saw him coaching the lines for the Bergenfield football team I nearly lost it. Yes, an elder statesman (sorry Jerry), but one of the best.
Pat Tirico – Lodi is lucky to have him
Mike Sheridan – Same for St. Mary
John Wrobleski – I don’t think I realized until recently just how valuable and special Wrobo is in the annals of Bergen County athletics. He’s everywhere and I hope he never retires.
Danny Brown – Hello, Saddle River Day, welcome to the Big Show.
JJ Conrad – You know, the boss and I actually seriously debated putting JJ and the Varsity Aces Twitter feed on the list as powerful, but decided against it. It is hard to quantify, but there is no denying that the Aces twitter feed is popular, it’s where a lot of kids and coaches get there information, news, maybe some gossip. I mean, if it went away, there would be a void, right?
Dave Bell – You know, I swear he is 41. I had him ranked really high for a while, but slowly bumped him off.
Cory Robinson – The Fair Lawn AD also has a huge voice in HS ice hockey in New Jersey.
Sharon Hughes – The Passaic Tech AD, still has a big say in all things down at the NJSIAA, although I thought I heard retiring was coming up.
Jim Grasso – The Ramsey AD shows no sign of retiring, and he’s still often my first phone call on a lot of issues. He’s worked all over the county in different roles, and is one of the people who sees the big picture. I don’t think we always agree, but I respect his position.
John McKenna – The DePaul football coach has the Spartans on the brink of something big.
Rich Smith – He is Mr. Field Hockey in Bergen County, he has done a great job of keeping the history of the sport alive at Northern Highlands, I wish more schools would embrace the game the way his has.
Chuck Johnson – The Ridgewood football coach gets to the sectional final and I bump him (he was on the list in 2012), but he’s another one in North Jersey with incredible perspective on athletics and life.
Bob Reiss – The keeper of the Ice Vault, you need ice time, he’s got it. I bumped him too.
Ron Anello – The Ramapo athletic director, he had a big hand in the football proposal that got shot down.
Drew Gibbs – Ramapo’s football coach, just a class act in every thing he does.
Sue Liddy – Holy Angels basketball coach and softball coach.
Maria Nolan – IHA volleyball coach, continues to send stars into college with solid fundamental background and a successful HS career.
Now, I’m sure there are even more who I am leaving out…Steve King from Eastern Christian, Butch Servedeo at Lyndhurst, Bob Carcich at Emerson, Roger Pelletier at Mahwah could be at the top of this list one day…..they come to mind right away. There are so many people behind the scenes, and so many people even I don’t know who have considerable power when it comes to North Jersey athletics. I mean, just think of all the club coaches in swimming, wrestling, soccer who pretty much sway athlete’s schedules and future. I only know a few of them, but I know they have considerable power.
But here is the Top 40 list we printed, what about Why?
40. Mickey Corcoran, former River Dell and Northern Highlands athletic director
Last year’s ranking: 40
Any year your protégé (Bill Parcells) gets inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame shows you still carry influence, even at age 91.
Why? Because he’s Mickey Corcoran….I mean, you could probably make him number 1, because trust me if anyone from number 1 to 39 sees a phone call from Mickey Corcoran, they are calling right back.
39. Chris Brown, Park Ridge athletic director
Last year: Not Ranked
High up on the Bergen County Coaches Association organization chart and a well-respected voice for small schools in North Jersey.
38. Ed Salvi, former Midland Park athletic director, co-director BCCA Holiday Wrestling Tournament
Last year: NR
Any time a co-op program succeeds, they have Salvi to thank. It was he who helped get the idea of co-op programs started in New Jersey.
Why? When I saw Ed at the state football finals, it kind of hit me, wait a minute, he’s like the father of co-ops, and without them, think of all the kids who wouldn’t get a chance to play athletics in North Jersey. Also, he’s been the AD at Midland Park like six different times (keeps getting brought back in) and I believe what’s good for Midland Park is what’s good for everyone else.
37. Greg Bailey, NJSIAA executive committee member
Last year: 35
He’s a football/basketball referee in North Jersey and now 2nd Vice President of the NJSIAA. He’s going to rank much higher in years to come.
Why? See above. He’d be higher if he didn’t give me grief about LSU football all the time. (Just kidding)
36. Tara Madigan, Northern Highlands girls soccer coach
Last year: NR
Yes, not losing a game in three years makes you widely respected. Will make a great athletic director one day.
Why? How I left her off the list in 2012 is a mystery to me. I bet Tara will make a great athletic director one day.
35. Jeff Horohonich, Immaculate Conception girls basketball and softball coach
Last year: 27
Led Blue Wolves to state softball title, and had the courage to pull out of the NJIC for basketball and play an independent schedule.
Why? He dropped on the list, but his influence is still strong. I commend him for having the stones to go independent in basketball, that’s good for everyone.
34. Josette Norris, Tenafly High School senior
Last year: NR
It would be foolish to think current athletes don’t have influence and with her skills and records, athletes and fans want to follow Norris’ exploits.
Why? I felt like I had to have athletes on the list, since, you know, without them, we don’t have a reason for anyone else on this list. I thought Josette represented the most high-profile female athlete in the area.
33. Beth Powell, Old Tappan and Don Bosco volleyball coach
Last year: 31
She is the still the First Lady of volleyball in North Jersey, and North Jersey still dominates the Garden State in the sport.
Why? Because she’s just the best, that’s all.
32. Jabrill Peppers, Paramus Catholic senior
Last year: 30
Over 23,000 Twitter followers and four state football titles, he is a nationally-known high school athlete.
Why? Have you all seen all the chatter about the All-American Game? Herman Edwards called Jabrill the best DB prospect he’s seen.
31. Greg Butler, Demarest Athletic Director
Last year: 28
One of the keepers of the baseball flame in Bergen County, also has his football program looking for games outside of New Jersey.
Why? Just a smart, smart decision-maker. The whole playing Caravel from Delaware in football is such a unique thing, but he doesn’t hold to that old, “well, we always did it this way†line. I will always respect and admire people who are able to roll with the times.
30. Mike Doherty, St. Joseph Regional basketball coach/Director of Admissions
Last year: NR
It’s really the Admissions part that gets Doherty on the list. He is the keeper of the keys to open the doors at St. Joes.
Why? I wish I had had the room to tell this story in the paper. But, one of my friends at the paper had an 8th grader last year and he went through all of the non-public recruiting days and everything (his 8th grader is a bball player) and he said beyond a doubt the best presentation of the 4 schools was from Doherty and St. Joes. When I relayed this to another faculty member at another Big 4 school, all he could do was agree.
29. Jacob Brown/Mike Glynn, Ridgewood track/cross country coaches
Last year: 25
Hard to separate the pair who have done so much for athletes for over 40 years each. Their influence stretches far beyond Ridgewood.
Why? Glynn was one of the guys who came up to me after the 2012 list was printed, saying, kiddingly, where he was on the list. But he was right. But I also couldn’t separate him and Jacob, so I just paired them up.
28. Anthony LaRezza, Immaculate Heart Academy softball coach
Last year: NR
Has a chance to lead Blue Eagles to unprecedented fourth straight Bergen County title, plus is a key player in the summer with his Pride travel program.
Why? He never said anything to me personally, but other people did, and I guess yes, Larezza belongs on the list for what he has done at IHA and with his club program the Pride. If you play softball in North Jersey, he knows you, or knows your coach, or your parents or all 3.
27. Augie Hoffman, St. Joseph Regional football coach
Last year: NR
The new St. Joseph Regional football coach has big shoes to fill, but the background and ideas to fill them.
Why? Hey, some new blood right? Obviously Augie is now a Top 40 person in North Jersey, he’s taking over a team that’s been No. 1 in New Jersey two years in a row. So…I guess one way you can look at it is the only way to go is down. But I think Augie is prepared for the task ahead.
26. Scott Mahoney, Pompton Lakes football/wrestling coach
Last year: 23
Winner of the last three North 1, Group 1 football titles, while keeping the Cardinals relevant every year on the mats.
Why? You know, if Tony Gonzalez is Ridgefield Park, then Scott Mahoney is becoming Mr. Pompton Lakes, and that’s not a bad thing. He’s been successful for a long time and he deserves recognition.
25. Jerome Smart, Teaneck basketball coach
Last year: 22
Three straight Jamboree titles in three years for Smart, and the Highwaymen could make it four this season.
Why? Basketball is still big in North Jersey, and the best team in the area is Teaneck, anyone who thought the Highwaymen would drop off after Curtis March left (I know I did) was way off. He’s breathed life into the Teaneck program and kept it a major player in the Garden State.
24. Evan Baumgarten, Ramapo boys soccer coach
Last year: 6
Former head of the BCCA, still an important voice in the area and widely respected for his coaching style.
Why? He’s probably too low, but his profile has dropped since stepped down as President of the BCCA. He’s still got great wisdom on the importance of HS athletics. I look forward to all our conversations.
23. Frank Salvano, St. Joseph Regional baseball coach
Last year: 21
When one of your players is a first round pick in the MLB draft (Rob Kaminsky) that’s a heck of a year. Don’t forget, he’s also a referee too.
Why? First, I just love the ref thing. It keeps him in touch with so many other parts of North Jersey. He’s classy, intelligent, a quintessential Baseball Man.
22. Nunzio Campanile, Bergen Catholic football coach
Last year: 10
Drops off just because of the rare down year for the Crusaders, but still considered one of the top coaches in New Jersey.
Why? Because he’s Nunzio that’s why. I mean, really, remember, BC was my pick to win the state title in 2014 two years ago, and would it be a surprise? He’s about to come out swinging I just know it. And don’t forget about his impact on the Bergen wrestling team.
21. Joe Lennon, DePaul athletic director, NJSIAA Executive Committee member
Last year: 20
DePaul is in the middle of an amazing renaissance in athletics with Lennon at the helm. He’s also a key voice in every public-private debate in Robbinsville.
Why? Maybe my favorite memory from the fall was when I covered the Wayne Hills-Depaul girls tennis match (for my story on Bruce Keogh) and because of a scheduling conflict, Joe was essentially the DePaul girls tennis coach that day. He and Bruce joked that he was now 0-1 in his tennis career. But isn’t that the kind of responsibility you want from an AD? To be present, available and around for the kids? Joe has that all figured out.
20. Lou Fraulo, Track official
Last year: 19
Without Fraulo, we don’t have track meets or cross-country championships.
Why? Should be self-explanatory. His army of workers keeps the huge meets in track and cross country running.
19. Paul Heenehan, Ramapo girls soccer coach
Last year: 18
A Title IX pioneer, there is nothing Heenehan hasn’t accomplished in his career.
Why? Wrote about him already.
18. Jeff Jasper, Pascack Valley girls basketball coach
Last year: 17
900 wins and counting, but he would tell you his best work is still done in the classroom.
Why? Because he’s Jasper, you know?
17. Mike Quick, MSG Varsity
Last year: 5
Despite his network scaling back operations, Quick is still an important figure covering high school sports in the tri-state.
Why? I must admit I never knew Mike really well until maybe this fall when I talked to him for a while at the Bergen Catholic-Paul 6th scrimmage. I liked him a lot, even though I suppose we are competitors in a way. I know he’s important to the coaches and athletes in North Jersey (and all over), and, he’s very good at what he does and has been doing it for a long time.
16. Jack McGovern, Bergen Catholic athletic director
Last year: 16
Forget about football for a moment and realize that in wrestling, basketball, swimming and baseball (among others), the Crusader programs are surging.
Why? I saw Jack at the BCCA wrestlings over to one side, chatting with Dave Bell, and I was thinking for a moment how proud he must be at all of the things the Crusaders have going on right now. The future is really bright for Bergen.
15. Ron Kistner, Bergen County Parks and Recreation Director
Last year: NR
North Jersey now has two places for showcase events thanks to Kistner, Vince Lombardi Field in Palisades Park has hosted Bergen/Bosco football games the last two years, and he also revitalized Riverside County Park with a new facility there.
Why? If there is ever going to be a facility in North Jersey that we can have indoor track meets, or maybe a 50-yard Olympic style pool, or a semi-big basketball arena, Kistner is the one who can do it. I have no idea about his politics or yours, but know that Kistner has athletes in this area’s interests at heart.
14. Mike Miello, Wayne Schools Athletic Director
Last year: 12
Before he steps aside and retires for what, the third time? Miello is once again looking for a new football coach at Wayne Valley.
Why? It could be his last time on this list, if and when, he ever does really retire, but what a legacy he will leave as a coach and administrator.
13. Brian McAleer, Don Bosco Prep Athletic Director
Last year: 15
Continues to broaden the Ramsey schools national scope.
Why? Just as this list was being put together, Brian was finalizing 2 baseball games in California for the Ironmen, plus another super national schedule for his football team. I joked with him if I had known earlier, I would have ranked him higher.
12. Paul Puglise, Bergen Jamboree Chairman, Waldwick girls basketball coach
Last year: 14
The Jamboree is unlike any other event on the North Jersey calendar and Puglise has the final word.
Why? Paul is just a good guy with a firm hand on the reins of the Jambo, and I love that he’s coaching again. He’s always calm and measured and fair, which is the most important thing in his position.
11. Tom Kaechele, Old Tappan Athletic Director, BCCA President
Last year: NR
Oversees one of the biggest athletic programs in North Jersey and has handled new leadership role with the BCCA flawlessly.
Why? From nowhere to number 11, largely because he’s the BCCA President now, but people who know North Jersey athletics know about Kaechele and the job he has done at Old Tappan.
10. Chris Partridge, Paramus Catholic football coach
Last year: NR
A shining example of a high school coach for the 21st Century, Partridge has brought fun and two straight state titles to Paramus Road.
Why? Hmm, do I really need to explain? I wrote in a column after PC won the state title that kids today like flashy uniforms, going for it on fourth down and Twitter, and if you don’t recognize that you’re just a dinosaur. That’s what Partridge has brought to the party in 2013, and believe me, it’s his party.
9. Bill Vacca
Last year: 7
Although has scaled back his responsibilities somewhat, Vacca is still a leader in Passaic County and former President of the Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey.
Why? Honest, forthright, always positive when it comes to supporting HS athletics and athletes. Bill has many roles in North Jersey, but I think deep down, he’s really a big fan.
8. Bob Williams, Northern Highlands Athletic Director
Last year: 13
Northern Highlands is coming off a tremendously successful fall season, and his opinion carries great weight in the Big North Conference. Remember, five classes for public school football was his plan.
Why? After the success of Highlands in the fall and across the board, Williams has to be on this list. It almost makes me wonder what Bergen County athletics would be like if we had more regional schools.
7. Stan Fryczynski, North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Executive Director
Last year: 11
The former AD at Secaucus has his finger on the pulse of everything in North Jersey and his leadership has been important in making the NJIC balanced and fair.
Why? About to oversee a conference in transition with 2 new charter schools coming in, and also handled things with Immaculate Conception and an issue with Saddle River Day (the basketball thing with Cresskill where they played a player for too long) appropriately and quickly.
6. Melissa Landeck, Old Tappan girls volleyball/softball coach, Bergen County Women Coaches Association President
Last year: 9
The fact that she remains a coach, in two sports no less, gives her great perspective on running the BCWCA and what it can do to support area coaches.
Why? What Melissa does year in year out just impresses me. Her teams are always good, and the way the BCWCA is run and organized reflects her steady leadership.
5. Jim Vail, Paramus Catholic President
Last year: 8
In 2013 alone, Paramus Catholic has installed turf and lights on its football field, had a game broadcast on ESPN2 and had former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett speak at school. Vail continues to see athletics as the front door for his school to generate publicity and shine light on the other programs the school offers.
Why? I’m sure Jim read this and said, no way and probably said some line about “I’m just an old soccer coach.†Sure. Don’t believe it. I don’t. I think Paramus Catholic’s rise in football (and ice hockey last year, don’t forget about ice hockey) is the biggest story so far this decade.
4. David Frazier, Rutherford athletic director, NJSIAA Executive Committee member
Last year: 2
Frazier is no longer NJSIAA President, but still a key figure in the organization while running a large athletic department in Rutherford.
Why? This is one of the ones, you know, there are people that when they talk, the rest of the room shuts up and listens. When Dave Frazier talks, that’s what happens. Maybe its the way he carries himself, his own athletic background, but in North Jersey and New Jersey, Frazier has a voice that carries weight.
3. Greg Toal, Don Bosco football coach
Last year: 1
His play-anyone anywhere hard-charging style is still the standard in North Jersey.
Why? Yes, he was number 1 last year and you could still make the case that he’s number 1 still, but hey, no state titles in 2 years for Bosco, and the guy has set such a standard that he is judged differently.
2. Denis Nelson, River Dell athletic director, Big North Executive Director
Last year: 4
The leader of one of the most prominent and powerful conferences in New Jersey. When the NJSIAA needed someone to push the public school football plan, Nelson was the voice they sought.
Why? Denis is at the center of everything. People respect him so much, when I went around asking coaches/ADs to write an editorial about voting against the public school football plan, they said they wouldn’t do it, since it would make Denis look bad.
1. Tony Karcich, St. Joseph athletic director
Last year: 3
Karcich retired as football coach earlier this month after winning three straight Group 3 titles. But how many other people on this list have the power to appoint your successor without a search, like Karcich did with Augie Hoffman. Respected from Cape May to High Point, Karcich’s opinions and time are highly sought after.
Why? It had to be Tony. Kaminsky gets drafted in the first round, the football team is number 1, the Green Knights are strong in wrestling, basketball, St. Joe’s is a vibrant place and much of the credit goes to Karcich.