By Meghan Loder
HOLMDEL – Mick Messemer is excited about being named head coach for the ice hockey team at St. John Vianney High School.
After serving as an assistant at Manalapan High School for five years, he was ready for the new challenge. “I always wanted to be a head coach but was waiting for the right job and opportunity,” said Messemer. “It’s a great school and a great program. I am very excited for this opportunity. I have been waiting for it my whole life.”
Having been a player for Brick Memorial, where he won two Handchen Cups and reached the public schools state final in 2003, he has seen the hockey culture evolve in the area.
“We didn’t have a Shore Conference when I played. In the past five years a lot of schools have adopted a hockey program,” he said. “There is a whole new outlook on high school hockey. It is a lot bigger today.”
St. John Vianney had a lackluster season during 2013-2014, going 6-11-2 but Messemer is hopeful for the future. His goal for the upcoming season is to “get back to where the program was two years ago, to work hard and be ready for the challenges that lie ahead – and to be committed for success as a team, not individually,” he said.
Messemer will be stressing the importance of teamwork in his program. “Everyone has to care for each other. Teamwork goes a long way in high school sports.”
Messemer is looking at the SJV baseball team as an example for his program.
“The baseball team is an example for teamwork, hard work and effort. They had a blueprint of success and it showed as their hard work paid off,” he said. With the St. John Vianney baseball team’s recent NJSIAA Non-Public A state championship, “the (hockey team) boys can see success with the baseball team and want to work harder to get to that level.”
Success is the motto for Messemer. With St. John Vianney having to compete with other powerhouse schools in the area, including Christian Brothers Academy and Red Bank Catholic, the only way to attract players to St. John Vianney will be to succeed, the new coach said.
“Success is a key for the plan going forward. Kids are going to want to be a part of the program when we’re successful. Wins will speak for itself,” Messemer said.
Messemer cannot see his team in action until late summer but he did hold a team meeting with players and coaches. He told them his expectations for the program and what the players should be working on during the off-season.
Messemer and his assistant, Carter Lee, who also is a coach for the Brick Hockey Club 18U team, are bringing energy and experience to the program and are excited to start the season.
