Wrestling: Hosbach resigns as Warren Hills coach

One of New Jersey's most storied wrestling programs is looking for its next head coach.

Jarrett Hosbach, who guided the Warren Hills program for the past 13 seasons, officially submitted his letter of resignation on Tuesday morning. Blue Streaks athletic director Geri McKelvey said during a phone interview that all positions for the fall and winter seasons are open as per school policy.

It's been speculated that Dave Sbriscia, a former Warren Hills wrestler and assistant coach under Hosbach, could be a candidate to become the 81-year-old program's eighth head coach.

"I have not received [official applications]," McKelvey said. "The jobs were posted last week and they have 15 days to apply before we will do another round of postings. We will look in-house first and if we feel there are better outside candidates, we have the right to [hire] from outside."

Max Nauta wins the first of his two region titles under Hosbach in 2013.

Hosbach, a special education teacher at Warren Hills is a former wrestler and assistant coach at Phillipsburg High School. He was a two-time Hunterdon-Warren champion and district runner-up, as well as a three-time region qualifier, placing third at 215 pounds his senior season for the Stateliners in 1996.

Hosbach, 40, said on Tuesday afernoon that it's the right time for him to step away from coaching.

"I've always tried to do what's best for the program and I think a change is the best thing, and for me personally," he said.

Hosbach's teams at Warren Hills finished 165-135 overall, including a 7-13 campaign this season. The Streaks advanced to the North 2, Group 3 sectional semifinals, dropping a 48-25 decision to champion Voorhees.

During his tenure, Hosbach guided Warren Hills to its fifth sectional title in 2007, while coaching 29 district and nine region champions, along with three state placewinners -- Dave Richmond (third in 2006), Jon Slack (third in 2010) and Andrew Pacheco (sixth in 2014).

Among the personal highlights for Hosbach, are getting to coach with one of his former wrestlers in Sbriscia, while seeing another of his wrestlers, Chris Hrunka, take over as the head coach at North Hunterdon this season.

"For me it's about the relationships, watching kids grow," Hosbach said. "It goes beyond wrestling."

McKelvey said she was sorry to see Hosbach go, but understood his reasons, including a need to spend more time with his wife, Vanessa, and their two children, a son, Cole (11) and daughter, Kennedy (4).

"He is very grounded and a good guy, and a good with the [wrestlers]," McKelvey said. "It breaks my heart when veteran coaches leave. We talked about it in Atlantic City [over the weekend at the 85th State Championships]. I've been there and understand why they walk away, especially with little [children]."

Hosbach will now devote time to his home team.

"I got tired of having to choose," he said. "My son plays football [for Steele Hill in P'burg] and my daughter will get into sports, hopefully. It's time."

Warren Hills is expected to return nine starters in 2018-19, including state qualifier Nick Galka (220) as well as Region 3 qualifiers Greg Slivka (113), Chris Ostir (145), Nick Hildebrant (160) and Duro Ajayi (285).