Stan Fryczynski Day

It was Stan Fryczynski Day at Secaucus High School on Nov. 1, a special day in tribute to the former athletic director, who has coached at the school for 33 years and served as athletic director from 1989 to earlier this year.
Faculty, staff, family, friends and students gathered for an assembly to present Fryczynski with a plaque in recognition of his longstanding commitment and dedication. It was the first time in the high school’s history that an individual was honored during the school day, said the principal, Dr. Robert Berckes.

Honoring a legacy

“Today is part of Spirit Week,” said Berckes. “We felt today was a day to take the time out to honor [Stan] and to pay tribute for everything he has done for the school community. He has a rich history, passion, [and] determination to make sure this community does well in academics as well as athletics. His interest for the community is very sincere and we honor and treasure that and want to make sure that his legacy lives on.”

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“He will be strict with you, but at the end of the day he’ll be your best friend.” – Jubeth Buitrago
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Fryczynski is in his 39th year of coaching and continues to coach cross country. He held his first head coaching position in 1974 with the Holy Family track and field team when he was still a junior in college. He began coaching track and field in Secaucus in 1978. In 1989, Fryczynski stepped into the athletic director position. He helped create the Hudson County Track Coaches Association. He also serves as the executive director of the New Jersey Interscholastic Conferences. Fryczynski is also part of the Hudson County Sports Hall of Fame.

Fan of Stan

Everyone was a fan of Stan Fryczynski Day, including his very own daughter, who was able to see him in action as a coach when she ran on cross country and track and field championship teams during her four years at Secaucus High School.
“It was my honor to have him as my coach, my father, and as my best friend,” said Amy Hawxhurst after the assembly. “[The tribute] is fitting. It is appropriate…He is great at everything he does and he deserves to be honored like this.”
Jubeth Buitrago, 16, a junior, said, “He will be strict with you, but at the end of the day he’ll be your best friend.”
She said Fryczynski provided motivation every day and she was proud to be a part of the Varsity Track and Field team that went on to win Hudson County championships two years in a row.
“Stan was really amazing. He is a very funny guy,” said Chris Soto, 17, captain of the track and field team. “He is a really good coach.”
Soto dressed up as Fryczynski for Halloween and wore his signature blue fisherman’s hat.
“I’m very pleasantly surprised,” said Fryczynski after the assembly. “It means a lot to me.” He was honored that the school took a moment to stop its daily routines and scheduling to bring together his family and friends for the occasion.
Fryczynski said he was grateful to Dr. Robert Berckes and Vice Principal Frank Costello for taking the time out to put together the tribute.
Adriana Rambay Fernández may be reached at afernandez@hudsonreporter.com.