Former Brick Memorial Athletic Director and Shore Conference Meet Director Bill Bruno has been selected as the new Assistant Director for the NJSIAA focusing on cross country, track, and field.
Bill Bruno started as the Athletic Director for Brick in 2003 and the Shore Conference in 2000, but his involvement as a Meet Director for winter and spring Shore Conference meets goes back to 1988.
When asked about his drive for applying to the position, "I knew it was a great opportunity to contribute to interscholastic athletics in a new way."
Among other experiences in cross country, track and field, he also posted many years at the head and assistant coaching levels for teams including CBA, Manalapan, Pinelands, and Asbury Park, which in total added up to 42 total seasons between fall, winter, and spring.
Bruno was one of six finalists and after being interviewed in July was named the successful candidate for the role.
The opening for the position came earlier than expected with the unfortunate passing of long time Assistant Director Don Danser this past June. Danser was set to retire December of 2015 and had hoped to help transition the new hire into the job.
"I have known Mr. Danser for my entire coaching and AD career. I served on both the NJSIAA Executive Board and the Eligibility Appeals Committee, so yes, I had the pleasure to see Mr. Danser in action. ... It will be difficult to fill his shoes."
When asked how he felt about taking over such an important role in our state's athletics:
"It really hasn’t sunk in just yet but it will soon enough. To be involved with XC and Track/Field is a bonus." he added, "I’m looking forward to the continued opportunity to work with AD’s, Coaches, Student-Athletes, officials and of course the media that are passionate about their sport."
<p> This series was created to hopefully help preserve past interviews with important people to New Jersey's XCTF history. This way they are in one place, enjoy. </p>