Jackson Memorial's Bernie Reider, the legendary wrestling coach, has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of athletes and coaches.
Reider, who passed away on July 23 at the age of 84, began his coaching career at Jackson Memorial in 1966. According to a 2017 interview, Reider was appointed head coach by the school board without his knowledge, thanks to the efforts of Mads Madsen's father, who attended a Board of Education meeting and advocated for the creation of a wrestling team with Reider as its coach.
Reider's early days as a coach were marked by a lack of knowledge about the sport, but he quickly learned and adapted. He recalled finding out about his appointment from athletic director Don Connor, who also became the school's athletic director at the same meeting.
Reider's coaching career spanned over 15 years, during which he built Jackson Memorial into one of the Shore Conference's first wrestling dynasties. His teams won 160 matches, including a 58-match winning streak from January 1972 to 1975.
Former Rutgers University head coach Scott Goodale, a state runner-up in 1990 for Jackson Memorial, has often spoken about the influence Reider had on his life. Goodale, now in his 20th season at Rutgers, said he knew from a young age that he wanted to emulate Reider.
Goodale's own coaching career was inspired by Reider's legacy, and he went on to lead Jackson Memorial to two NJSIAA Group 4 championships in 2006 and 2007. Goodale's teams also won four Group 4 state championships from 2004-2011 and 11 sectional titles from 2004-2023.
Reider's impact on the Shore Conference wrestling community extends beyond his own team's success. He was a pioneer who started a wrestling tradition that many other schools would follow in the years to come.
The Shore Conference Tournament, which Reider directed for many years, was a pride and joy for him. Goodale said that the tournament was a major focus for his own teams, and he credited Reider for creating a competitive environment that pushed wrestlers to excel.
Reider's legacy continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers and coaches. His story serves as a reminder of the power of dedication, hard work, and a passion for the sport.
As the wrestling community mourns the loss of a beloved coach, his family and friends will remember his commitment to the sport and his impact on the lives of countless athletes.
Source: Yahoo Sports