All Manchester coaches are great, but one has reached a rare achievement. An achievement that has been in the making for many years.
Manchester Hawks Girls Bowling coach Bryan Vargas reached 200 career wins as a Hawk coach with the girls’ victory over Pinelands on Thursday 1/9.
During all matches at Ocean Lanes that night, the screens above the lanes had scrolling text that read “Congratulations to Manchester Girls Head Coach Bryan Vargas on reaching 200 wins in Manchester!”. and an announcement followed over the loudspeaker.
Coach Vargas is regarded as one of the best coaches anyone’s had by many of the student-athletes on his team.
In an interview with The Talon sportswriter Valentino Vaccarella, Coach Vargas answered the following questions in an interview.
Q: What made you decide to coach Bowling?
A: As early as 9 years old, I would always go with my step dad to his bowling league. That’s where it all began. When I was in college, I started substitute teaching at Northern Valley Old Tappan, where I graduated from not too many years prior. I started volunteering as a bowling coach and ultimately took over the following year when that coach left to start up the women’s bowling team at Fairleigh Dickinson university. After 5 years, I moved to Ocean County in 2007 and started teaching at Lakehurst Elementary School. When I started looking for coaching openings, I started by reaching out to Manchester. What I found out was that the coach at the time, coaching legend Joe Bolcato, had just announced to his boys team that this upcoming year would be his last year. So after a year of volunteering as an assistant, I took over. After 11 years, the girls coach retired and I moved over to the other side. This is now my 6th year as girls coach.
Q: What are your goals for the team this year?
A: From the start of this season, I’ve been telling the girls to stay focused. We have what it takes to be a top team in the state. But if we lose focus, we become beatable. These girls don’t realize how good they can really be.
Q: What was your first year coaching like?
A: During my first year of coaching, I remember there being a lot of struggles. I definitely learned a lot along the way. At the time, I was only five years younger than some of my seniors! In my 2nd year, I was named the Bergen County Girls Coach of the Year.
Q: What would you say to bowlers that are unsure of whether they want to continue into the college or professional levels?
A: If given the opportunity, I’d say go for it. Not everyone gets that chance, so if presented with it, and if it fits in with their other workload, it’s a great experience. It’s something I wish I had the chance to do, but the college I went to didn’t have a men’s bowling team.
The Girls Bowling team are currently 8-1, their only loss coming to Barnegat on 12/19.
The Boys Bowling team are 11-0, winning on Monday 1/13 against Donovan Catholic, and they lead the Shore Conference in wins, with 11.
Overall, Coach Vargas is a key to Manchester’s success in Bowling across both teams. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or really good at bowling, Coach Vargas always has something to offer to get you better.
Manchester is lucky to have you Coach Vargas!
