Mr. Wanamaker. A Teacher of Social Studies. The Coach of Lacrosse and Wrestling. Someone who has shown incredible leadership as a coach to both sports and as a teacher who truly cares about his students on an academic and personal level. Recently, Mr. Wanamaker has devoted his time and energy to the Girls’ Wrestling Team here at Morris Hills. He has coached them well, assuring them of their success and victory. His work has not gone unnoticed as NJ.com has named Mr. Wanamaker the Girls’ Wrestling Coach of the Year for the 2023 – 2024 season!
The Girls’ Wrestling Program at Morris Hills has come a long way over the years. Almost a decade ago, Mr. Bollette, the boys’ head wrestling coach and Mr. Sylvester, former MH Social Studies teacher, had a vision to start a girls’ wrestling team at Morris Hills High School. Thanks to the help and leadership of Coach Wanamaker, he and Mr. Bollette in just a matter of time, had created a girls’ wrestling program at Morris Hills that also competed with such determination (and victory) that they were one of the best in New Jersey. None of this would’ve been possible without Mr. Wanamaker (and let’s not forget…Mr. Sylvester).
In his first year as head coach, Coach Wanamaker brought the Morris Hills Scarlet Knights to tremendous victory, ending the season with ranking as the #2 team in the state of NJ after winning their first 20 dual meets. Let’s not forget that they finished the season with an incredible record of 20-1. Mr. Wanamaker explains, “My senior girls are the ones who truly built this program. They have been a part of this program’s growth and success longer than me taking over as head coach this past year. I walked into a great situation and I couldn’t be happier or more proud to have had the leadership of my senior girls. They have set the bar for what it means to be a trusting and supporting teammate. They have built the ship I’m simply guiding it now.”
A lot of Coach Wanamaker’s senior girls have been involved in wrestling from the very start, seeing the team really grow and thrive over the years. Sofia Garcia explained “Wrestling is a good way to de-stress. I love the connection between all the girls… We’re open with each other and trust each other. ” Agreeing, Kyara Olivera mentions that “Wrestling is a vulnerable sport, we’ve learned to comfort each other and be with each other. We make it a really safe space for everyone.”
Mr. Wanamaker’s girls wrestling team this year has shown an incredible amount of respect, discipline, character, and devotion. He continues to be a great leader as a coach and the girls on the team have done a phenomenal job in their discipline and determination to win. They continue to strive for excellence as a team. Congratulations to Coach Wanamaker – the Girls’ Wrestling Coach of the Year for the 2023 – 2024 season!