Schools
Jefferson Girls' Basketball Coach Retires After 26 Years
Superintendent, board of education members describe coach as role model for players, coaches.
The Jefferson Township Board of Education congratulated Jim O’Connor on his retirement after 26 years as head coach of the Jefferson High School girls’ basketball team.
Board member Frank Cuccio highlighted O’Connor’s many successes over the years, which he summed up as “quite a resume.”
O’Connor ended his career at Jefferson with 490 wins to 191 losses with a 72 percent win rate. His overall head coaching record is 511-230.
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His teams have nabbed 10 conference titles since 1988, a Morris County Tournament championship, five Sussex County Interscholastic League championships, five state sectional titles, a state group title and three appearances in the state group final. Under his watch, 10 Lady Falcons have scored at least 1,000 points.
“To me, he seems like a terrific role model for these girls,” Cuccio said. “He will be missed.”
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Superintendent Joseph Kraemer went a step further, calling O’Connor “a role model for all coaches.”
Board member Melissa Senatore said she was lucky enough to be on O’Connor’s first team 26 years ago.
“Because of Mr. O’Connor, I got to play college basketball,” Senatore said. “I can’t believe he’s leaving, but it’s good to see he’s been here this long.”
