John Sacchi - Middlesex CC, Rutgers University
After a stint in the Marines, John continued his education and wrestling career at Ithaca College. Middlesex County College would become John's first coaching position where he would develop a Nationally ranked wrestling program at the JUCO level. While at Middlesex John would become the 2nd winningest coach in national JUCO history with a 280-59-4 record, recording undefeated seasons in 1970,1986,and 1990. During this time his teams were ranked 17 times in the National Top 20 poll and in the process crowned five National Individual Champions and 39 All-Americans. After retiring from Middlesex, John would move over to Rutgers University where he would coach for the next 17 years posting a 167-102-5 team record. In his 2nd year at Rutgers his team would go 17-4-1 setting a school record for victories. In 2002 Joh would become the 16th college coach in wrestling history to reach the 400 win plateau. John also coached Tom Tanis,future Naval Academy Assistant Coach, to All-American status. In recognition of his success he has recieved numerous awards including 1986 Juco National Wrestling Man of the Year and the 2004 Eastern Intercollegiate Coach of the Year.
Harold Vandermark - North Hunterdon H.S.
Harold graduated from Nanticoke High School and Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and inspite of his love of athletics never wrestled. He arrived at North Hunterdon HS in 1955 a new school with only a cub wrestling program. Harold was asked to start a High School program and start a program he did. Self taught through books and clinics he fell in love with wrestling and for the next 18 years North Hunterdon would become a power in NJ. Harold's teams would post 17 winning seasons notching an overall record of 148-69-3 with 4 District 17 team Championships. Harold coached wrestlers to 7 State Championships,25 Region and 52 District Championships with Jim McCormick winning the Outstanding Wrestler Award at the 1964 States. Harold also coached future Hall of Famer Ted Resnick on that same team.Harold's contributions to wrestling transcends wins and losses,he taught the importance of winning and losing with grace,with class. He had a great rapport with his wrestler many of whom consider him a father fiqure someone who took an interest in them beyond the wrestling mat and classroom. Harold Vandermark was a remarkable coach and man and wrestling has profited greatly from his contributions to it's development in NJ.
