New Football Coach Resigns At Bridgewater-Raritan High School

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — After one season as the head football coach at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, Rick Mantz is retiring.

Mantz announced his retirement on Friday when he sent a letter to Principal of Bridgewater-Raritan High School Dan Hemberger.

In his resignation letter, Mantz said that he "was very grateful for having the opportunity to serve as the head football coach at BRHS."

Mantz pointed to "some health and family issues" that he needed to address for the reason behind his resignation.

The team’s Assistant Head Coach D.J. Catalano is currently managing the off-season condition program and has been helping with college recruiting.

"He can manage the program until you decide on a permanent replacement," Mantz wrote of Catalano who came from Somerville High School to coach under him this season.

Mantz was appointed as the new coach in April. He is a member of three hall of fames and was retired but returned to the coach Bridgewater-Raritan to a 4-6 record. Read More: New Football Coach Takes Charge At Bridgewater-Raritan High School

He steered Bridgewater-Raritan to a berth in the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 5 state playoffs where the Panthers were eliminated in the first round by Westfield High School, 28-7.

"Rick Mantz made a significant contribution during his brief time as head coach," Hemberger said. "He has restructured the internal operations to resemble a college program, elevated expectations for our student-athletes both on and off the football field, and energized the coaching staff and overall football community."

"Rick was an outstanding coach and leader of young men during his tenure at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional HS as the football coach,” Superintendent Robert Beers said. "He has set the program on the right path and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Mantz’ resignation comes just days after long-time Bridgewater-Raritan Athletic Director John Maggio retired. Maggio retired on Nov. 30 after 23 years and four months at Bridgewater-Raritan.

Bill Deniz was named as Maggio’s successor and will start at Bridgewater-Raritan on Dec. 12.

"Rick is leaving Panther Football in a better position than when he began – poised for sustainable success in the years to come. I wish him and his family improved health and prosperity," Hemberger said.

— Information and quotes provided by BRRSD