Neptune resident Mike Lucarelli is pictured with his son, John Ralph (right), brother Joe (with glasses) and daughter Lizabeth in Atlantic City.
By WILLIAM CLARK
Former Athletic Director Mike Lucarelli was recently inducted into the Director of Athletics Association of New Jersey Hall of Fame.
The honor, which he received during the organization’s annual conference in Atlantic City, comes for the Neptune resident after 18 years as an athletic director at Monmouth Regional High School. Lucarelli served as the interim AD in North Brunswick as well after he retired from the Tinton Falls school.
Lucarelli said his spearheading and overseeing of state and local meets and tournaments at his facilities were important points in his career and made him a strong candidate for the accolade from his peers.
“Wrestling, track and field, baseball, soccer,” Lucarelli said. “You name it.”
Lucarelli said he took advantage of the facilities he was responsible for to make the case for the school as a host of the tournaments.
But that wasn’t the extent of the job, which he called rewarding. Working with students and parents during the fall, winter and spring seasons took a lot of work and a tenacious mindset.
Lucarelli said his success was based on three important parts: a supportive wife, a solid secretary and being mindful of all of the responsibilities.
He credited his wife with being understanding of the many hours past his contract that he would compile.
“You do the job until it’s done,” he said. “It’s always something every day.”
Lucarelli said he is honored by the prestigious award and humbled to be recognized by people he respects. After starting his career as a teacher in 1969, Lucarelli spent the remainder of his career in the role that would ultimately earn him the recognition by the DAANJ.
“It was a great career,” he said. “No regrets.”
