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Area Legend Warren Wolf Honored For A Life Of Achievement
By Bill McLaughlin
The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders paused to salute one of its former members last Wednesday afternoon. Not for something he has done recently, but for something he does every day.
Warren Wolf, the ageless wonder, was hailed for nearly a half-century as the head football coach at Brick High School.
His 13 state titles, seven before the playoff system was implemented, 24 Shore Conference divisional titles and only three losing seasons speak volumes.
But that's not all there is to Wolf, who was Brick mayor from 1971-75, Ocean County Freeholder from 1975-81, New Jersey state Assemblyman from 1981-83 and member of Brick council from 1982-93.
But even that's not why he was there. One by one the board saluted him with personal recollections.
Wolf, the coach in state high school football with more wins than anyone else (boasting a 350-109-11 record), begins preparations for his 50th season at Brick this fall. Wolf also coached at Hasbrouck Heights in northern New Jersey.
When Wolf reached mandatory retirement age - more than a few years ago - the township waved the requirement and let him go on with his career.
The freeholders couldn't decide whether the silver-haired coach was the Vince Lombardi of Ocean County or the Joe Paterno of New Jersey. In reality, he's an American original who served as mentor for many of the board members and more than two generations of Ocean County residents.
Joe Vicari likened Wolf to Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers who once lived in and is buried in Middletown. Wolf is a man of great leadership skills, Vicari said, who never lost his moral compass.
"Warren Wolf first hired me when I moved to Ocean County," Vicari recalled his start in education as an administrator in Brick. "I ran for freeholder when he ran for assembly."
Vicari spoke eloquently about Wolf's leadership and sticking to ideals. Too many of our role models today are marketed and packaged to hide serious personal flaws, he said.
"Warren Wolf is one of those role models we all should emulate," Vicari concluded. "Everybody, every student, every teacher he had contact with, he had an impact on."
Vicari said Wolf performed at the same high level as he rose from councilman to mayor to freeholder to assemblyman.
Freeholder Director John P. Kelly wondered at the vast number of people whose lives were changed positively because of Wolf's willingness to work for all the citizens of the county.
"I can't imagine the number of lives you have touched," Kelly said. "You don't know the respect and love I have for you and how much I have looked up to you."
John P. Bartlett served for two years on the freeholder board with Wolf.
"I've never seen anyone run a meeting with the graciousness he did," Bartlett told the audience.
Bartlett said the ability to multi-task was wonderful, and noted that Wolf is still active in public life as a member of the county health board and as an Ocean County College trustee.
James Lacey marveled at the positive influence Wolf has exerted on his town and county.
"Your reputation precedes you, sir," Lacey smiled. "You are a great American. Many Ocean County citizens under your leadership have gone on to great things."
Gerry Little drew the analogy between Wolf and Paterno, noting their close proximity in age, the length of their careers and one other thing.
"Both are teachers, they teach personal values, teamwork, sportsmanship and a strong work ethic. They are the most outstanding and successful in their areas. It is a remarkable legacy."
Wolf thanked the board for its good wishes and said briefly that "teamwork (is important) in the game of life." He said the freeholders are one example of individuals working together for the common good, in whatever crisis they may face.
Later, during the public portion of the meeting, Tom Hartman of Barnegat spoke. A Brick native and product of the public school system, Hartman said the impact Wolf had on shaping young minds is incalculable.
Hartman has served as mayor and committeeman in Barnegat and said his decision to enter public life came from one source: Wolf.
"He spoke at my school one day back when Mr. Wolf was mayor," Hartman recalled. "He told us then - I was just a child - to dare to dream. From that day on, Mr. Wolf has been a mentor to me."
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