Dan Doherty, Cross Country and Track & Field, Pearl River HS

“My coach, my mentor, my friend” are the words former player Linda Ludwikowski (’84-‘89) used to describe Dan Doherty.  “There are coaches who are there for you off the field when you play in the biggest game of all – the game of life.  Dan certainly took coaching to that level and beyond…”

Jo-Ann Houston (’82-’85) said that the most applicable phrase that comes to mind when describing Dan’s coaching style is “tough love”.  “Dan’s passion for the sport is clear.  He loves coaching.  He knows what it takes to be successful.  Dan fostered a driving ambition in his athletes to succeed and also created an environment that thrived on camaraderie and friendship.  Dan Doherty represents integrity, achievement and continual quest for excellence.”

Wendy May (’83-’87) remembers and appreciates Coach Doherty best for three things: 1) His incredible dedication to his athletes, 2) His role in elevating the role of women’s sports, and 3) The far-reaching influence he had on her life and the lives of her teammates.  “For Danny, coaching wasn’t something he did for a season; it was something he did year-around and ‘round the clock”.  Dan was a pioneer in elevating women’s sports…he gave us the highest level of attention and dedication.  In addition, Dan wasn’t just dedicated to us as athletes.  He was also dedicated to us as people.  So many of us had our lives improve as a result of our association with Dan”. 

This is Dan’s 30th year coaching at Pearl River High School.  His coaching philosophy is disciplined oriented and he expects excellence from his players.  Coach Doherty believes that if you work hard and do what you are told to do you will have success in sports and in life. 

His quest for excellence in both Cross Country and Track resulted in a plethora of record achievements and numerous honors and awards.  To highlight a few, he was crowned New York State Career Varsity Victory Leader in Girls Cross Country with a total of 664 victories.  His team ranked #1 Girls Cross Country in NY State in 1985 and 1987 and ranked #1 in NY State (by school size) 14 different times.  In dual meets, his record is 245-4 and only one loss since 1978.  

In Winter and Spring Track, he has claimed a total of 78 victories and 267 victories respectively.  He was frequently crowned Coach of the Year for Girls Cross Country, Girls Winter Track and Girls Spring Track.  He was honored as The Rockland County Girls Cross Country “Coach of the Century” by The Rockland County Journal News in 2000. 

Asked of his most memorable moment, Dan recalls becoming Federation Champions in 1985 for Girls Cross Country.  This particular achievement was most notable because the teams had to compete under horrendous conditions that resulted from a severe snowstorm.  Doherty’s team gave it their all and emerged victorious despite the monumental challenges brought on by the inclement weather.  His team’s determination and ambitious spirit found them on the side of victory.

Chuck Gramby, Basketball, Math & Sciences Research Tech Ctr

Coach Granby sets out to accomplish two goals at the start of every season – to make it to the playoffs and to help every senior get into college.  To Granby, it’s not about basketball – “it’s about playing hard but more importantly it’s about getting an education so that you can succeed in life.” 

His coaching philosophy proves true in the lives of many of his former players. According to Eddie Harris (’77-‘80), “Coach Granby has done so many things for me as well as for the other players.” Granby was not only his basketball coach, but also an inspiration and a mentor.  Harris recalls a time when he wore sneakers with holes to a practice game.  Apparently, Coach Granby saw the worn sneakers and, without letting on that he knew, gave Eddie an extra pair of sneakers to wear. “That’s who Granby was for us - always giving.  He taught us what life was about and the importance of going to college and getting a degree.”

Another former player, Derek Hawkins (’75-’79), reminisced on how Coach Granby was concerned academically and athletically about his players.  “He wanted every one to grow to be productive men”.  He recalls that coaching was always important to Granby but learning life lessons and getting into college was the key to success. “Granby always made you feel as if you were part of a family as opposed to a team.  He was always about doing the right thing on and off the field.”  Laughingly, he remembers one “philosophical” statement that Granby once expressed to him– “no romance without the finance” – a saying that Hawkins could easily relate to in the years to come.

Both former players felt that Granby was a father figure to them – whether you had a father or not – Granby was there for you – supportive, dedicated and committed.  Granby was not only an inspiration and friend to his players but to the students (men and women) and to players from area high schools.   In addition, Granby did a lot for the community.  He implemented ‘night games’ so that the parents could share in their son’s basketball games since most of them had to work.  Needless to say, Coach Granby filled a void for a lot of people – parents, students and players alike – and for this he continues to be highly regarded and deeply appreciated. 

Coach Granby is a graduate of Morris High School in the Bronx and Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.  He has a master’s degree in Physical Education from Hunter College.  He taught Health and Physical Education at Andrew Jackson High School (presently Campus Magnet) and also served in the U.S. Army in the Medical Corps, at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

With a total of 636 games won, he is the winningest active coach in PSAL history. Coach Granby has been teaching and coaching in the New York City Public School System for 40 years.  Thirty-nine of those years have been dedicated to coaching the boys’ basketball team at Campus Magnet.  Coach Granby retired from teaching in 1996 but has continued to coach basketball for Campus Magnet. 

During his tenure at Campus Magnet High School, his teams have made the Public School Athletic League playoffs for 34 years.  They’ve been Divisional Champs 24 years, Quarter-finalists 18 years, Queens Champs 7 years, Semi-finalists 6 years, PSAL finalist for 4 years and won the PSAL NYC Championship Title in 1985. 

Under his leadership, his teams have twice made the State tournament.  Chuck Granby has been named Newsday Coach of the Year 6 times as well as New York Daily News Coach of the Year 5 times.  Additionally, he was named Coach of the Year by NYSBA during the 1984-85 season.  He was inducted into the Brooklyn Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.  He received the Pro-Am Achievement award in 1997.  In 2005, Coach Granby was inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame. 

The New York City Championship title in 1985 is Granby’s most coveted accomplishment.  The team’s hard work and tenacity paid off when they finally claimed the victory in 1985 after coming up short two times prior.

Born in North Carolina and raised in New York, Chuck is one of three children.  He has one daughter, Robyn, who currently teaches English as a second language at Washington Rose Elementary School.  Robyn adds, "As a baby, I wore a green and white cheerleading outfit to the games.  Later, when I could walk, I cheered with the cheerleaders.  Since that time I have enjoyed supporting my dad and his teams.  I'm proud to be the daughter of the winningest coach in the history of New York City Public School Athletic League."  Robyn is Granby’s biggest fan and continues to celebrate his life in the here and now.

Coach Tom Pugh, Football, Holy Cross HS

“Treat every kid as if he were your own” is the coaching philosophy for legendary head football coach of Holy Cross High School, Tom Pugh.  He stresses the importance of teamwork and challenges each individual to be the best they can be for the team - never for self.  “It’s never about wins or loses – it’s about competing and doing your best.”

Tom’s love for the game began as an impressionable, young boy.  He recalls a time in 1955 when his father, Thomas Pugh, worked as a reporter and editor for the New York Daily News.  Young Pugh had the privilege of standing alongside his father on the sidelines of his first pro football game - NY Giants vs. Detroit Lions.  It was a memorable moment for Tom – one that was to seal his devotion to the game of football in the years ahead. 

Born in Queens, Tom grew up in Elmont and attended and played football for Elmont High School.  It was here that his high school coach, Brian Smith, taught him that it was about the team – never about the individual. Tom is a graduate of Emporia State University in Kansas where he majored in Physical Education and played both quarterback and defensive back for the football team.  Upon graduating from Emporia, he spent his fifth year as a graduate assistant, and then went on to teach Physical Education in the Sewanaka School District for four years.  He was the assistant football coach at Chaminade High School before starting his coaching career at Holy Cross High School in 1973.

Tom has held the position of head football coach for Holy Cross High School for 35 years, where he also serves as a guidance counselor.  His accomplishments are impressive: a total of 179 wins, ten CHSAA championships, Coach of the Year four times and a New York CHSAA Hall of Fame inductee.  Under his leadership, Tom has coached the sons of fourteen of his former high school teammates.  Presently, his son Brian is a senior at Holy Cross High School and is also a member of the football team.  When Coach Pugh’s former players return to Holy Cross to become coaches themselves, his gratitude is heart-felt.   In Tom’s own words, “There is no better feeling than to see these kids grow from boys to men.” 

Tom is highly respected by his players, peers and family.  His friendship is most highly regarded by his longtime associate and assistant coach of 34 years, Stan Aufieri.  Stan has had the honor and pleasure of working alongside Tom and considers him his best friend on and off the field.  Reflecting on Tom’s character, Stan recalls going through a tough time in his life several years ago.  While attending a football clinic together, Tom unselfishly devoted time without limits to Stan as they reminisced for hours about old friends, players and coaches.  The good memories shared amongst friends proved comforting for Stan.  According to Aufieri, “It reinforced for me what Tommy’s priorities in life are, and reminded me of why I loved him so much.”

Coach Pugh remains committed to coaching football on the high school level for the foreseeable future.  It is this dedication and commitment to his players, students and peers why so many consider him a great coach, supportive counselor, role model and devoted friend.

At the heart of it all, Tom believes in family first.  Tom has been married for 36 years to his wife Doreen.  They have four children – Jennifer, Tommy, Danny and Brian.  Tom and Doreen currently reside in Valley Stream, Long Island.

Nancy Williams, Softball & Field Hockey, Shore Regional HS

Nancy Williams is more than an athletic coach – she is life coach – one who teaches life skills in order to succeed.  Nancy believes one of the rewarding aspects of coaching is to see your former players come back as assistant coaches.  Jessica Shaw, former player and former assistant coach for Field Hockey and Softball at Shore Regional, said of Nancy “She is a great coach.  She has a way of motivating kids to succeed.  She cares about their success.  As a coach, she gave us the tools to handle the pressures of life.”

Coach Williams attended Shore Regional High School and is a graduate of the College of New Jersey (formerly known as Trenton State College) where she holds a degree in Physical Education.  She was the assistant coach of women’s basketball at Monmouth University and spent two years as the basketball coach at West Long Branch High School.   For 38 years, Coach Williams has been the head coach for Field Hockey and Softball for Shore Regional, where she also teaches Driver’s Education and Physical Education.  Her accomplishments are impressive and speak to her ability to achieve success in both sports. 

As a Field Hockey coach, she is currently the national record holder for the most number of wins.  She has won 37 straight Division Championships, 21 State Titles and 13 Shore Conference Tournament Titles (most of any Shore Conference School).  She has been Field Hockey Coach of the Year 16 times. As a Softball coach, she has won 5 State Titles, 23 Division Championships and 4 Shore Conference Tournament Titles.  She has been softball Coach of the Year 10 times. 

Nancy was honored with the Woman’s Sports Foundation Coaches award in 1996 and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for Shore Regional, Jersey Shore and NJICA. Although softball is her favorite sport, she feels that her success in field hockey has taken on a life of its own. Presently, she has won more games than any other field hockey coach in the country.  Thus, it is befitting that in January 2008 Coach Williams will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

Coach Williams strongly believes that athletics is an integral part of the educational system – “It is an extension of the classroom as the students are exposed to elements that are only experienced on the field.  Through sports, players are able to grow and develop useful life skills and become better individuals because of it.”

It’s hard to fathom that Coach Williams’ most memorable moment throughout her coaching career is not amongst her athletic accomplishments, but is a momentous and significant event that happened eleven years ago and garnered national attention and support.   Nancy courageously challenged and successfully fought for equal opportunity for girl’s sports by filing a Title IX complaint against Shore Regional High School.  She received tremendous support from her peers and from the state of New Jersey.  She was successful in securing equality for women’s sports at Shore Regional – an event that elevated equality for girl’s sports nationally as well as within the community.  “It is her strong character that allowed her to stand up and fight for the right of equality for women’s sports.  She is not afraid to do what is right regardless of the consequences”, said Jessica Shaw.  According to Nancy, her accomplishments from coaching pales in comparison to her successful efforts in her fight for equal rights for women’s sports.

Overall, Nancy is a fan of all sports and more importantly a huge fan of competition.  With 38 years of Field Hockey, 28 years of softball, 21 years of basketball (where she won four Division Championships), 8 years of swimming and 4 years of track (where she won three State Championships and three Division Championships), she considers herself having the best of both worlds – the ability to coach and the pleasure of watching the sport.  “Pick a job you love and never have to work a day in your life” is Nancy’s belief.

Nancy Williams is from a very close knit family where she is 1 out of the 8 children.  She has 30 nieces and nephews and currently resides in New Jersey. 

Jack Moran, Lacrosse, Chaminade, HS

Jack Moran is the first and only Lacrosse coach in the history of Chaminade High School.  Richard Meade, a close friend of Jack Moran for over 30 years, and head Lacrosse coach at Navel Academy reflected on Jack’s coaching philosophy and character.  “Jack’s boundless energy and enduring passion make him a great coach and teacher.  This same passion is applied to everything Jack does in his life.  I’m amazed at how he shows the same enthusiasm today as he did thirty years ago.”  Richard adds, “The guys are loyal to Jack because of who he is – a leader and a mentor.  I admire the effect he has on these young men who are on their way to becoming men under Jack’s leadership.”

Jack Moran is in his 28th year as the head coach at Chaminade High School. Before coming to Chaminade, Jack was an assistant coach at Levittown Division High School and Garden City High School.

A native of Levittown N.Y., Moran has compiled an overall record of 400 – 108 at Chaminade High School. The Flyers have won the NSCHSAA Lacrosse Championship 13 times under Moran. Chaminade has been to the Catholic Finals 17 of the last 18 years. Coach Moran has been the recipient of the NSCHSAA Coach of the Year Award 10 times and the Man of the Year 3 times. The Flyer Lacrosse Program has been awarded the league’s Sportsmanship Award 7 times.

In 2007, the Chaminade Flyers finished tied for the #1 spot in New York State for large schools, and # 4 in the nation according to the Lax Power Rankings. Moran has produced numerous high school and college All-Americans.

Jack has been the NSCHSAA league chairman since 1984 and President of the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Association from 1994 -1996. He has served as the coordinator for U.S. Lacrosse’s High School East/West/North/South Senior All-Star Games from 1988 to the present. Jack was also selected to be an assistant coach for the 1992 U.S.A.
U-19 Lacrosse Team that won the gold medal

A 1970 graduate of Levittown Division High School, Moran played for Hall of Fame coaches Bob Waters and Jack Emmer. After high school, Jack played on 2 National Championship teams at Nassau C.C. under the direction of Hall of Fame coach Richard Speckman. At the University of Massachusetts, Moran competed in 2 NCAA Tournaments coached by hall of fame coach Dick Garber. Moran has been fortunate to have been mentored by his uncle Richie Moran, legendary Cornell coach, and his great friends Chaminade coach Bob Pomponio and Richie Meade, current head coach at the U.S. Naval Academy.

When asked to describe Jack, Richard Meade states, “Jack is a committed husband, a devoted father, a great teacher and a celebrated and remarkable coach.  He is someone who exercises tremendous personal faith and spirituality.   As a valued and respected friend of Moran, Richard adds, “Frank McGuire would be proud that the award is going to Jack Moran, and Mike Pressler should be honored that Jack Moran is being honored with the Mike Pressler award.

Jack resides in Setauket, N.Y. with his wife of 32 years, Kathryne. They have 4 children,
Jack, Patrick, Ryan, and Shannon.          

Chuck Ruebling, Lacrosse, Delbarton HS

The 2007 Delbarton Lacrosse season was another memorable one for Coach Ruebling.  His team won a school record 21 games against one loss.  The team captured its fourth consecutive NJSIAA State Group Championship and ninth overall Morris County Championship.  Having now completed his 21st season at the helm of the Green Wave Lacrosse Program, his career record stands at 342 wins and 76 losses (a 81.8% win percentage).

Chuck’s accomplishments are extraordinary.  Coach Ruebling was named 2007 New Jersey Coach of the Year by his peers.  He is enshrined in two Hall of Fames - New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame in 2004 and New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2002.  In 1998, he was the recipient of the Len Roland “Sportsmanship Award”, presented by the New Jersey Lacrosse Officials Association to the Delbarton Program.  In 1986 and 1997 Chuck was name Morris County Coach of the Year.  He earned recognition as 1994 New Jersey Coach of the Year and served as the coach of the South squad in the National Lacrosse High School Classic in 1993.  He also has won 3 of the last 5 Morris County Championships.  During Chuck’s tenure he has produced numerous athletes who have gone to compete successfully at both the Division I & II collegiate levels, including several collegiate captains.

Matt Kovachick, assistant coach of seven years, adds, “Coach Ruebling is very much concerned with the fundamental development of his players as well as development of their character.  He is involved with goal setting and being supportive and nurturing of the boys.  He is committed to making sure his kids understand the ‘big picture’ of life.  It is Ruebling’s plan that each player become better men from this program and walks away with a good experience.  I’m impressed with Ruebling’s ability to maximize greatness in every single player.  He has contributed to their growth as individuals.  It’s not about wins or loses with Chuck - it’s about instilling confidence in his players so that they are self-assured in their abilities to perform and succeed on and off the field.”

While a student at Delbarton, Chuck was a member of the Green Wave’s first lacrosse team in 1976 and was a four year letter winner.  He was also a two year letter winner in football.  Chuck pursued his athletic and academic interests at Cornell University, where he played lightweight football while earning a B.S. degree in 1983 in Mechanical Engineering.  He subsequently earned an M.A.T. from Montclair State University.  Chuck is the Assistant Headmaster of Delbarton School in addition to teaching Physics. 

Chuck and his wife Donna reside in Morris Township with their two children, Chelsea and Derek.