Coach Papa Stepping Down!

Coach Papa had this to say about his retirement:

    After thirty years (twenty five in High School and five in college) it's time to enjoy some other pursuits.  I came to Camden County College to help re-establish a program that had been shut down for 35 years, and we are now a well-established program with great wrestling facilities and an administration that is very committed to the future success of the wrestling team.  Despite a season that was not as successful as we would have liked, we worked hard and achieved many behind the scenes goals necessary for a premier wrestling program.  Since reinstating the Cougar wrestling program, we had nine individual wrestlers achieve National Wrestling Coaches Association Academic All-American status. In my five years as the Head Coach, our dual meet record was 47-41 against mostly NCAA Division III competition.  As a team we were three time Garden State Athletic Conference Champions, three time Region IX Champions, one time Eastern District II Champion and two time Eastern District II runner-up.  We also had six NJCAA All-Americans and one NJCAA National Champion.  This year, I was honored at the National Tournament by being named the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association 2019 Man of the Year for my efforts.

     I would like to thank my assistant coaches for their dedication and hard work, all contributing to our development and success.  They are former assistants, Nick Papa, Hank Stinson, Eduard Aliakseyenka, and Dr. John Diepold,  Assistant Coach Daishi Goto and current Head Assistant Coach, John Chillem.  Thanks also to our Athletic Director Bill Banks.  Bill and his secretary, Cathie Yocum-Glikas, have done a great job helping me and my staff to run our program as smooth as possible.   I would like to thank my wife, Nancy, without whose love and support, I could not have dedicated the time necessary to have been a successful coach.  My son's Zac and Nick have supported my efforts in more ways than I can count and my Mom, brothers and sister have gone along for the long ride as well.  To my many friends, supporters, fellow coaches and former wrestlers, remember to look good and feel good.  Thank you and God bless you.