Dougherty Named Region 5 Coach of the Year

Having recognized the success of South Brunswick High School wrestling, it was only a matter of time before the man leading the program was also recognized.

Joe Dougherty was named the Region 5 Coach of the Year. He was recognized for this honor at the state championships this past weekend in Atlantic City.

"It's nice to get noticed by your peers," Dougherty said.

It was hard not to notice South Brunswick. The team went 21-4 in the regular season. It hosted a state match. The team then went on and won the District 20 Tournament, which it also hosted.

"I won District 20 Coach of the Year, which was very nice," Dougherty said. "That qualified me for (the region award). It's definitely a nice honor."

South Brunswick was certainly well represented at Region 5. David Dominguez (135), Tyler Jaramillo (162), Ali Yildiz (171) and Lucus DelPiano (189) all won their weight classes at District 20 and got an automatic spot in the Region 5 quarterfinals. Jordan Pagano (112), Tommy Dorsay (125), James Pagano (145) and Jake Pietrefesa (160) placed in the top three spots in their weight class in the districts and also battled their way into the Region 5 quarterfinals.

"I've been coaching a while now," Dougherty said. "It's a nice thing my peers recognize the good things we're doing in South Brunswick."

Such as advancing DelPiano into the state championships this past weekend. That's why Dougherty was already in Atlantic City and available to accept his award in person.

"I'm a bit tired, but this is very exciting," Dougherty said.

Dougherty was tired because Sunday was the third straight day of continuous wrestling. But this is the place Dougherty and his wrestlers worked hard to get to all year and wanted to finish their season."

"It's always fun to be down here," Dougherty said.

Being the Region 5 Coach of the Year and having a program definitely on the rise just makes it that much better.