History of the Spring Track Program

BOYS TEAM

Arguably one of the most successful sport programs in Bergen County History - the boys program has been in existence for over 50 years. Warner Strube coached the inaugural year before turning the reigns over to legendary coach Bill Monaghan. Monaghan coached 14 years amassing an incredible 114 wins to only 9 losses and two ties. Coach Monaghan's impact on Bergen County Track is immeasurable - his resume includes 11 League Championships, 8 County Championships, 7 State Sectional Titles, 1 Indoor State Group Championship, a Bishop Loughlin Indoor Championship (500 schools), over 40 All-County Athletes, A State Champion & Penn Relay Champion (Jim Hennessy - 1 mile) and he was named Bergen County Coach of the Year 3 times. 

Three of Bill's more notable athletes were Franklin Jacob, Ben Fields (Seton Hall) and John Spieker.  Jacobs, former Indoor World Record Holder, high jumped (7' 7 1/4") and won an NCAA, IC4A and World Cup titles. Jacobs was ranked #1 in the world from 1978-79.  Fields high jumped 7' 6" under Monaghans watch.  John Spieker won the Bergen County Demi-Decathlon in 1971 and later (at Rutgers) a 4 time NJ State Collegian Champion in the 440IH and 5 time NJ AAU 440IH champion. 

In 1973, New Milford honored Bill Monaghan, naming the Track and Field facility after him. 

As with all things change is inevitable and Coach Monaghan turned the team over to Rick Bracini - the coach may have changed but the success continued. Over the next three seasons the team would go 17-3 winning a State Sectional Championship in 1976.

Change came once again to New Milford and the Ray "Hap" Harrison era began - spanning the next thirty-one years. "Haps" dedication to the sport and his athletes is unparalleled. As a member of the NJSIAA committee he helped affect change in our sports which remains in place today. "Haps" personal stats include a 250-73-1 record, 5 League Championships, 1 County Group Championship, 1 State Sectional Championship and 2 County Relay Championships. 

"Hap" could tell you the performances and rankings of all the competitors throughout the state - his knowledge of the opponent was incredible. Even in retirement he is still one of the most informed track fans you'll find. While other coaches relied on a bit of luck "Hap" had his teams convinced that if a hawk flew above Karma was on their side that day. Hap mentored his athletes on and off the track and he always had a passion for academics urging his students to "follow your bliss".

Hap took a year off in 1995 to pursue that passion leaving the program in the hands of the now Head Girl's Coach, Greg Kelly. The team didn't miss a beat winning the Season Opener Invitational and League Championships. Upon "Haps" retirement, NMHS named a scholarship in his honor.

Taking the program from "Hap" was Matt Frederick who came within points of winning a BCSL title in his first year as Ray Harrison watched from the stands. Then in his second year the team went undefeated before falling to Cresskill at the League Championship meet. 

The program is now in the capable hands of former New Milford track standout Jeff Bliss.   Since taking over the team, the boys team has finished either first or second - winning titles in 2012 and 2014. Under his leadership, the NM Knights have gain the respect of everyone.

GIRLS TEAM

Hackbarth to Monaghan to Hartney to Kelly – these are the only four coaches the girl’s team has ever known. All four have had terrific runs with their squads, amassing 14 league titles, 6 County titles and 4 State Sectional titles.

Wayne Hackbarth –

While the information is sketchy we do know that Coach Hackbarth got the ball rolling as the first New Milford Girl’s Coach. He laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most successful programs in Bergen County History.

Bill Monaghan –

The long time Athletic Director coached both boys and girls track - as a girls coach he led the Lady Knights to 2 League titles, 2 County titles and 1 State Sectional title.  During his reign Coach Monaghan worked his magic with the field athletes especially the jumpers. Many of the marks still remain atop the best in Bergen County history.

Bill Hartney –

Career record – 128-5, League titles – 7, County titles – 4, State Sectional titles – 3, Indoor County Relay titles – 2, State Indoor Relay title – 1

Bill literally stands head and shoulders above the rest. Coach Hartney has graced NM with his presences for three decades; he has seen it all as a coach and the man in charge at sporting events.  Most of the athletes that he has crossed paths with don’t realize that he has given up a majority of his vacation time over the years to be with them – this is dedication! Coach Hartney has the highest winning percentage and most major titles of any coach from New Milford.

Bus rides can be very educational as he will engage the nearest athlete with some “meaningful” conversation or Bergen County Mascot Trivia - Oh and let us not forget the all important medal presentations. Yet what is most striking about Coach Hartney is how he makes it a point to learn about everyone on his team no matter what his or her ability level.

Still on the sidelines Bill serves as the Head Indoor coach and assistant spring coach.

Greg Kelly –

Career record – 147-42-1 (135-40-1 at NM), League titles – 4

The present Head Girl’s Track and Cross Country Coach, Coach Kelly has 6 League titles on his resume’; 4 at New Milford and 2 at Old Tappan. He started his career as a volunteer assistant at Metuchen High School while attending Rutgers University. He soon found himself at Monroe High School in New York State serving as an assistant for a year under the legendary Lou Hall.

It was back to his roots as Coach Kelly landed at his alma mater in Old Tappan coaching along side Bruce Hyde and Bob Goidell. Four seasons later (two as a head coach) it was time to move on to where he has been for the last 25 years – New Milford.   

Coach Kelly may tell you that his passion is Cross Country but he loves the preparation and technical aspects of track. He likes to talk the “game” to anyone willing to listen. “Its all about personal accomplishment”.  Coach Hartney has his bus rides; Coach Kelly has his post-meet meetings where he hands out pins and shirts to those showing improvement.

In 2010 Coach Kelly became the fourth coach in NM history to reach the 100-win plateau – a tribute to all the athletes of New Milford. In 2013 the Lady Knights won the NJIC Liberty League Championships going undefeated!