New Coach For Wall High Football

A new era in football begins today when the Crimson Knights gridiron boys are introduced to their new head coach, school officials said Wednesday.

Nick Gregorio, offensive line coach at Kean University who was hired Tuesday by the district, is expected to be introduced to the football team today, school Athletic Director Tom Ridoux said.

Gregorio will take over for former head coach Chris Barnes, who resigned as head coach in February after 12 years coaching Wall football to spend more time with his family, Ridoux said.

Gregorio, 32, has 10 years coaching experience split evenly between college and high school programs. He holds two master’s degrees and is a nationally certified strength and conditioning coach, Ridoux said.

“We’re excited about Coach Gregorio,’’ Ridoux said. “We were really impressed with his passion for football and for kids. He brings a lot of great potential to keep a strong football tradition alive here at Wall High School.’’

Gregorio, who is finishing up his obligations at Kean and is expected to begin coaching at Wall in the summer, could not be reached Thursday morning. He will be paid a stipend of $10,430 for his coaching duties, Ridoux said.

Ridoux said the district searched long and hard to find a replacement for Barnes. Gregorio was chosen from a field of 40 applicants.

Gregorio has master’s degrees in physical education and health sciences. He was a former Montclair State football lineman and All-American shot-putter, Ridoux said.

He was a graduate assistant coach at Springfield College and spent three years as an assistant coach at Basking Ridge High School before a three-year stint as head coach at Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark. He is currently in his second stint with Kean, coaching the team's offensive line, Ridoux said.

“He was the guy we were most impressed with,’’ Ridoux said. “His coaching philosophy is very similar to Barnes’ and we think he’ll be a great fit for the program here.’’

He has big shoes to fill.

Barnes last year led the Crimson Knights to a record of 8-2 and a Class C Central title won by beating rival Manasquan on Thanksgiving Day.

Wall reached the state playoffs in nine of Barnes' 12 seasons and won the 2002 Central Jersey Group III title. Barnes' record was 90-38 in his stint as head coach.