Citing Family, John Craig Steps Down As WDHS Wrestling Coach

John Craig has spent the last seven years guiding and molding the teenagers in the wrestling program as the varsity head coach.

Now he is stepping away so he can turn his full attention to a group of kids at a younger age: his own.

Citing the desire to spend more time watching his daughters grow and mature, Craig stepped down from his post late last week.

“It was something I have been going over for a while,” said Craig. “I have three daughters—ages seven, six and five. They are involved in a lot of activities, and feel like I have responsibilities to be there with them, whether it’s soccer, dance, tee-ball or lacrosse.”

Craig met with his wrestlers on Friday to inform them of his decision. It didn’t come to a complete surprise to many of them, because Craig has talked about wanting to be there for his kids in the past. He stressed to the athletes that he would still be around to offer advice or encouragement.

“I wanted to stress to the guys that I will be around and I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “It was a tough decision, but I have no regrets. I am so proud of what we have done and even more proud of these relationships I have been able to build with the guys. It was a great time and I have nothing but good memories.

“I’m really thankful for support I got from school, administration, students—the school was packed for big matches—and the parents,” Craig continued. “Part of the reason we were able to have the years we had are because of the support the district has given us.”

Although he says he leaves behind no regrets, Craig admitted it would be odd not being involved in wrestling in a full-time capacity.

“I really don’t know what it’s going to feel like when the winter rolls around,” Craig said. “I started wrestling when I was five and competed from high school to college and started coaching right out of college. I have never had a winter I can remember not being involved.”

Over his seven years as head coach there was just about nothing his teams didn’t accomplish. The Eagles went 125-34 over that time, earned district, sectional and Colonial Conference titles, while also claiming the state title in 2010. He coached and champions and .

Craig—who praised the work of assistant coach John Layton, who was with him for all seven years—said he expects the program to be just fine without him.

“With the talent coming in from the middle school and the talent coming back, I can say I am really proud of the way I left program,” Craig said. “I have no doubts that they will still be one of best teams in South Jersey.

Now it’s up to athletic director Tim Cammarota—who is also in need of a new boys’ soccer coach—to find a replacement who can keep the program going in the right direction.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of qualified people for the job,” Craig said. “Whoever gets it will be fortunate, and I am looking forward to coming out next year as spectator and cheering these kids on.”