Warren Wolf Resigns from Brick School Board

Warren Wolf's career in public service may have come to an end.

The famed former Brick Township High School football coach who, at one time or another, held positions as Brick mayor, Ocean County freeholder and New Jersey assemblyman, gave notice to school district officials this week that he would resign his post on the township Board of Education effective immediately. James Edwards, the district's business administrator, said Wolf, 84, submitted a short letter of resignation that stated he wanted to spend more "quality time" with his family.

"I am grateful and appreciative to all who elected me," he wrote in his resignation letter.

The winningest coach in New Jersey high school football history, Wolf retired as head coach of the Brick Dragons after the 2008 season, but later asked to return to his old position after he was unsatisfied when the Board of Education selected an out-of-town coach to replace him. After he was not allowed to return, he ran for a seat on the board and won. He later went on to accept the head coaching position in Lakewood.

His replacement in Brick, Patrick Dowling, coached for two seasons. In February, it was announced he would not be recommended to return as coach for the 2011 season and would be replaced by Robert Dahl, a 1991 Brick graduate who played for Wolf. Dahl has yet to be officially appointed to the head coach position.

Wolf rarely made waves at board meetings during his latest tenure, but frequently took time to praise retiring district employees who were his former colleagues and speak in favor of providing a high quality education in the school district. He also publicly supported the April 27 referendum question that allowed township officials to exceed the state's 2 percent tax cap. The referendum passed.

"Mr. Wolf was a board member, like everything else he did in life, with character, integrity and he was a statesman," said Sharon Kight, the Board of Education president.

"I'd like to thank him for everything he has done for the students of Brick Township and the community," said schools Superintendent Walter Hrycenko.

Wolf was not present at the June 8 board meeting and could not be immediately reached for comment.

With board members having accepted Wolf's resignation at the meeting, the search will now begin for his replacement. The district will begin accepting resumes Thursday for the position, and sitting board members will conduct interviews on June 20 at 6:30 p.m. The new board member will most likely be appointed at the June 23 meeting.