Coach Wolf’s Legacy Being Digitized

Warren Wolf is the picture of intensity as he guides his Green Dragons. (Photo courtesy of Dick Brinster)

  BRICK – Warren Wolf lives.

  Even if he is not with us.

  Brick United, Inc. has begun a project to digitalize Wolf’s legendary career as the head football coach at Brick Township High School. Once completed, the films will be available at no cost on the website, brickunited.org.

  “A little more than two years ago, approximately 30 volunteers got together and discussed how to unite Brick Township and support its youth,” said Warren Charles Wolf, who played and coached under his dad and is president of Brick United, Inc. “The result was the creation of Brick United, Inc., a non-profit organization with a mission to raise scholarship funds for vocational or college matriculation to graduating seniors from Brick Township High School and Brick Memorial High School who possess exceptional academic achievement and display the character, leadership and spirit for their school and community exhibited by Brick Township’s most revered citizen, Warren Wolf, (who died in November of last year at the age of 92).”

  The group has awarded 15 scholarships totaling $30,000. Eight scholarships were awarded during the first year. Seven scholarships were granted last year. Each student received a $2,000 scholarship to perpetuate Wolf’s legacy.

The Brick Township High School Green Dragons, featuring more than 100 varsity players, take the field. (Photo courtesy Warren Charles Wolf)

  “An outing at the Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood in May of 2019 had 88 players,” Wolf said. “An outing at Eagle Ridge in September had 180 players. We did really well financially because of players and sponsors. Another outing at Eagle Ridge is tentatively scheduled for May 1. A holiday raffle sold 200 tickets at $100 apiece and made $10,000. We made more than $5,000 on Brick United Night at FirstEnergy Park where the Lakewood BlueClaws were very good to us. They gave us eight dollars for each ticket sold at $15 apiece.

  “In order to expand the scholarship program to more students, the goals of the organization must be embraced by all past and present members of the Brick Township community and their families. Brick United, Inc., has developed the website, dedicating a portion of it to past memories as well as future events within the community. The website is in its infancy and we welcome you to join us and participate by forwarding pictures and newspaper articles, etc., about people and events having a connection with Brick Township that you would like to share with others.”

  Wolf said the cost of the project is $15,000.

  “Brick United, Inc., is hopeful that the Brick Township community will share its excitement about this project,” Wolf said. “The committee is looking for your help to make this project possible through a donation specifically designated to this project. Can we count on your help to defray this cost? All donations will help – $10, $25, $100 or even more if you are able. Any money received that is in excess of what is needed shall be applied to the scholarship program.”

  All donations should be forwarded to Brick United, Inc., care of Jay C. Sendzik, Esq., who played quarterback on Wolf’s Green Dragons teams during the 1960s. Sendzik’s address is 1808 Route 88, Brick, N.J., 08724. Checks should be made payable to Brick United.

  “Please specifically designate with your contribution that the money should be applied to the films,” Wolf said. “Stay healthy. Hope to see you at one of Brick United’s fundraising events or hear from you in the future.”

Brick’s Jumbo Blackburn (63) leads Dan McCullough through a hole in the defensive line. (Photo courtesy Warren Charles Wolf)

  Wolf retired at the age of 81 in 2008 as the state’s career wins leader (361-122-11) after guiding the Green Dragons for 51 seasons as the first on-the-field coach in school history. He led his beloved teams to six NJSIAA sectional titles, eight unbeaten seasons, 42 winning campaigns and 31 divisional titles, including 25 in the Shore Conference. He coached the Lakewood Piners in 2010, taking the team to a 3-7 record and snapping the program’s Shore Conference record 33-game losing streak.

  Wolf’s son, 62, a retired Brick educator, played for his dad as a junior and senior at right offensive tackle. The 1976 Brick graduate was a junior member of the team that bested Camden in the South Jersey Group IV championship game at Atlantic City Convention Hall in the first playoff game in state history in 1974. Brick was 10-0. As a senior, Wolf played on a 9-1-1 team. He coached under his dad from 1982-2008.

  “I coached all of the offensive positions, depending on where I was needed,” he said. “Both playing for my dad and coaching under my dad were enjoyable. I obviously had to like coaching as I coached for as long as I did. Playing in the 1970s was a great, fun time because of the school spirit. Our athletic teams in all sports (Wolf also competed in golf and ice hockey) all had great players.”

  Brick often dressed more than 100 players for varsity games during the 1970s when the town had one high school. The school was dubbed the University of Brick.

  Wolf’s wife, Peggy, died at the age of 87 soon after her husband. Wolf often referred to her as, “My dear wife, Peggy.”

  Wolf served as the Deputy Superintendent of the Brick Township School District. He was a Brick Township mayor, a member of the Town Council, a New Jersey Assemblyman and an Ocean County Freeholder. He solicited Salvation Army Donations, ringing a bell in front of the ShopRite in Brick Township during the Christmas holiday. He was an elder in his church.

  Thousands of fans attended his funeral at Brick Township High School despite the building being closed because of the Thanksgiving holiday. At least one player from each decade of Wolf’s tenure as the Green Dragons’ coach wore his varsity jacket.

Archived Photo: Warren Wolf, the winningest football coach in Ocean County, if not New Jersey, reflects upon his career. (Photo by Chris Christopher)

  “I know I am blessed to have known my parents for as long as I did,” Wolf said. “Mom missed dad so much. That is why she passed on four weeks later. I know where they are and one day I will see them again. I hope my dad left a good legacy – one of people admiring him and emulating him and keeping his way of doing things alive.”