Steps down after seven years as head wrestling coach
By: Rudy Brandl
Brett Stibitz has taken the Manville High football team to a higher level in his two years at the helm. That’s one of the reasons he stepped down as the school’s head wrestling coach at the end of the 2007 season.
Building a successful football program is a year-round commitment. Stibitz has learned that from his own success. It’s not just about coming up with a game plan to win on autumn Friday nights. Coaching high school football demands rigorous off-season preparation.
Other sports like wrestling carry similar responsibilities for coaches who take pride in their product. After juggling both head coaching positions for two full years, Stibitz decided it was time to focus on football.
"It’s tough to have two head jobs if you want to have successful programs," Stibitz said. "It’s just a matter of time more than anything else. You just don’t have enough time to do everything."
Manville’s recent resurgence on the gridiron has made Stibitz a busy man. He’s spending more time talking to college coaches, making highlight tapes and guiding his players in off-field issues. All those hours were taking away from time he could help the wrestling program.
Stibitz did some very good things in his seven years as the MHS head wrestling coach. He takes the most pride in the development of the junior high school program at Alexander Batcho Intermediate School. He also started the Open Mats summer program, which is now in its seventh year.
After spending much time teaching basics to incoming freshmen in recent years, Stibitz knew it was crucial to get more kids on the mat early. Enrollment is up in the Recreation program. More youngsters in town are wrestling and with a feeder program in place, Stibitz is confident the MHS program will be very productive in the future.
Stibitz, didn’t step into an easy position when he took over Paul Kolody Sr., the longtime coach who gained legendary status during his very successful tenure. Kolody’s MHS teams won three consecutive Central Jersey Group 1 titles from 1992-1994 and made the state playoffs almost every season, including many in which Stibitz wore the school singlet.
The last seven seasons weren’t nearly as prolific for the Mustangs, especially in terms of wins and losses. They haven’t posted a winning record in this decade and often struggled to fill a full lineup. Stibitz dealt with many obstacles during his seven years as the head coach but numbers continued to climb the last two years.
"I did the best with what I had," he said.
Only one MHS wrestler won a District 18 title under Stibitz. Kurt Tenisci was the last MHS individual to win a major title when he captured the district crown in 2001. Heavyweight Mark Manderski finished a very close second the last two years. Tenisci and Manderski are the only two MHS wrestlers to win 20 bouts in a season under Stibitz.
Manville won three of its last six matches last winter, including a 34-33 triumph over East Orange in the season finale, which turned out to be Stibitz’s last team match as head coach. That wasn’t a bad way to go out, especially since that match was held in the Manville High gym.
Stibitz is spending a good part of his summer running the off-season football program. When he’s not supervising the weight room or working with his players, Stibitz is enjoying life in his new home with his wife and 2-year-old daughter.
"It’s a personal decision, too," he said. "I want to spend more time with my family."

