Wrestling: Gill eyes another milestone (600 wins)

Without question, this is the most unique high school wrestling season in New Jersey history. Then there's legendary Kittatinny coach John Gill, who has remained a constant figure matside for just over four decades, and is poised to become only the fifth coach in state history to reach 600 victories.

Gill, now in his 41st season as the Cougars' head coach and 43rd overall, took over the fledgling Sussex County program, started by former Phillipsburg wrestler Carl Bateman when the school opened in 1975, just six seasons into its existence. That proved to be one of the greatest hires in New Jersey history as Bateman tabbed Gill to be his assistant coach right out of college in 1978.

Kittatinny celebrates its last section title in 2019.

Many milestones later, Gill, whose traditional attire consists of a light blue dress shirt, ties? (seems like only one design), and gray slacks, stands at 598-194-5, and his teams have won 22 sectional and eight state championships (Group 1 and 2). 

Only four coaches -- Stan Woods of Emerson-Park Ridge (783 from 1967-present), Paul Morina of Paulsboro (723 from 1985-present), Dennis Smith of Delran (605 from 1976-2013) and Ralph Ross Sr. of Highland (601 from 1964-2000) -- have more victories than Gill on New Jersey's all-time list.

With Hackettstown slated for Tuesday, followed by High Point on Thursday and Boonton on Friday, this sets up to be another big week in a storied coaching career.

Gill got No. 500 against Jefferson in 2014.

"We'll get 599 on Tuesday, hopefully, and 600 either Thursday or Friday," said Gill, who rarely speaks of his coaching accomplishments, and usually only when pointed out by reporters.

High Point would love nothing more than to open its season by denying No. 600. The Wildcats enter as a prohibitive favorite, but they have been idle for two weeks due to COVID-19. Gill is hoping the lack of mat time will benefit his young team (five freshmen and three sophomore starters) in what is always an emotional match for both schools.

"If there was a perfect [scenario], I would love to beat them," Gill said. "We're hoping to give High Point [a battle]. We'll have four matches under our belt. They'll probably have their best lineup, and it should be a great match. My kids are excited about it. We know it's their opener."

Kittatinny (3-0, 0-0 NJAC division) would be best served not to overlook a Hackettstown team that also features plenty of young talent, and posted a somewhat-surprising 35-31 win over Newton on Friday. Longtime coach Frank Rodgers, one of the nicest guys in the sport, is calling it a career at season's end after 30 seasons (24 over two stints as head coach). That's 73 seasons of experience and a combined 858 wins between him and Gill, the deans among Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex coaches.

No doubt Gill's wife, Diane, has another banner ready to go.

"He's wonderful. Win or lose, he's always humble," a surprised Gill said when told that Rodgers was retiring after this season. "He always does the right thing and isn't out to cheat anybody."

Gill could hit 600 at the expense of a former wrestler, so to speak, as Dave Hughen, a region runner-up for the Cougars, serves as Boonton's  athletic director. The list of former students in the coaching ranks is long, with Gill also scheduled to face Eric Bollette (Newton) on March 30, Tyler Branham (Hanover Park) on April 2 and Kellen Bradley (North Warren) on April 6. Gill recently knocked off Brian Bollette's Morris Hills team, 56-18, on Friday. Dave Sylvester and Bryant Wanamaker serve as assistants on that staff.

"I had what you call a senior moment. I have Dave Sylvester's nephew, Andrew Sylvester, on the JV team," Gill said, "and he's wrestling [against Morris Hills] and I'm calling him, Dave. After the match, you could hear [one of Andrew's parents] yell, 'Hey, Gill, wrong [Sylvester].'"

Gill is proud of each of the coaches he's produced over the years and maintains strong friendships with many of them, and even helping some with home repairs and projects as a noted handyman.

'It's fun to read about some of the teams," Gill said. "Dave and Bryant Wanamaker [are assistants] with Brian [Bollette] at Morris Hills. They're fun to watch. Kellen is doing all the right things at North Warren. Tyler has a two-time state champ [Joey Olivieri] on that team. Brian is a [Region 2] president and Eric is our treasurer [in Region 1]."

With Rodgers, along with longtime Lenape Valley football coach Don Smolyn, another Sussex County institution, both stepping down this year, Gill said thoughts of his retirement one day seem to creep nearer. He admits to nearly resigning after an 11-10 season in 2014-15, but he "got a second wind."

"I don't want COVID to end my career," Gill said of the shortened season. "Next year might be it."

Truthfully, I thought Gill was done five years ago and he keeps going. I won't be the least surprised if he's knocking on the door for 800 wins down the road. One thing is certain, we will never see his kind in the coaching ranks from a longevity standpoint again in these parts.