Morgenroth moves to Whippany Park football

Don Morgenroth lives in Cedar Knolls but never had the opportunity to watch the local high school — Whippany Park — play football because he coached at Montville.

This fall, he'll get his chance to watch the Wildcats games — all of them — as the new head football coach.

He replaced Todd Callaghan, who went 16-34 in five years at Whippany Park. Over the past 10 years under Callaghan, Ron Rowe and Jeff Bronico, the Wildcats have gone 27-72.

Morgenroth resigned from his position at Montville, where he was 5-25 after three years and 3-7 last year. He had the most success during a three-year stretch at Chatham, earning an 18-13 record from 2009 to 2011. When Morgenroth's Cougars moved up to the powerful NJAC-National in 2012, they went 0-10.

"I'm hoping he brings a different culture to the program," Whippany Park principal Christopher Kelly said. "He has a lot of experience in the youth level. That's an intangible that we didn't have. I like his energy. Throughout the interview process, he kept saying, 'It's all about the kids.' He's addicted to football. I'm real excited. He's a great addition to the family."

Morgenroth has two athletic sons — Hunter in middle school and Dylan in elementary school — who are active in the town's youth leagues, so he's acquainted with Whippany Park's freshman and sophomore classes.

Morgenroth and the Hanover Tigers have organized a Punt, Pass and Kick Day tentatively set for May 8.

"I want to give back to my community and make a difference," he said. "I think there was always a disconnect between the high school and youth program. The youth program won't be running exactly everything we are running, but the terminology in the huddle should be the same. I've already had two meetings with the Hanover Tigers, and we want to have that connection."

Morgenroth is encouraged by the some of the returning talent at Whippany Park, including quarterback Kyle Lisa, running backs Andrew Lake and Luke Papa, and linemen Dylan Hayduk and Nick Foglia.

"The junior class is a very talented group," Morgenroth said. "I think it's time to turn the corner. I think the relationship between the youth and high school program will change things dramatically. During my interview, I said that I live in town and no one will be able to do that better. I'll make it work. They definitely have the ability. They just need guidance and leadership."

Whippany Park is now part of the North Jersey Super Football Conference's Group II American Division along with Mountain Lakes, Lincoln, Caldwell, Newark West Side, and Parsippany. The Wildcats open their season at Morris Catholic on Sept. 10.