This week was the start of the GRHS football season. This year you will notice a change in the football coaching lineup. 15 year veteran head coach Jim Kurz, will not be on the sidelines this year. He announced this spring that he is retiring from being head coach to enable more balance in his life. Per Kurz, this does not mean he wont be back as part of the team at some point, but right now its time to take a breath.
Jim took over as Head Coach after the legend and his mentor, Al Deaett, decided to retire from coaching in 2009. Through Jims’ coaching years, he won 87 games with the Panthers, lead them to playoffs 10 times, and to sectional finals a couple of times.
Coach Kurz has been part of Glen Rock football since he was a kid and played on the Colts and Mustangs under the Glen Rock Junior Football Association. During Kurz’s years of HS football under Coach Deaett, he was one of the Captains that helped lead the 1996 team to an undefeated season (21-0) and the North Jersey sectional 1 State championship. Because of his love of the sport, the school, and teaching, Jim became a beloved gym teacher at GRHS.
Talking to a fellow player on that team, Evan Quinn, said, “Jim was a junior when I was a freshman in 1995 just when Glen Rock Football started to turn things around. We were loaded with talent. We were undefeated and lost a tough game in the semi finals against Ridgefield Park.”
Evan continued, “The following year, Jim was a big part of their state championship run. Jim was one of the most hard working players on and off the field. He was also a standout track athlete. Their championship in 1996 set the tone for Glen Rock Football, which had many more great runs through out the next decade. Seeing him head coach the football team over the years has been awesome. He set an example on and off the field for his players. He has done so much for glen rock football, for the school and for the town . Jim, wishing you nothing but the best and thank you for keeping the tradition going.”
Jim also touched many parents, other coaches, and students by showing kindness with a smile always on his face and kind words, He also made sure they knew he was there for them to help however he could to insure their success in school and in life..
Adrian Galvez, a senior on the Panthers this year, had this to say about his former coach, “ Coach Kurz was a great coach that not only did his job well but also showed up to practice every day with a smile on his face. For him it was more than just football, creating a family like bond between the players and coaches.”
Asking how he felt about leaving now, Jim commented, “ I feel that I am leaving the team in a good place. I was able to help hand pick my replacement to ensure that the team was in good hands. “
We here at Banana Tree News wish him all the best. We will miss seeing him on the sidelines. We also are very impressed that he knew it was time for balance and to take a breath.
