Coaches Cheer Mamary Appointment

The hiring of Sandra Mamary as the first female supervisor of athletics at Westfield High School was something that was cheered throughout the corridors of the high school.

Coaches feel there was no better person to take over for the popular Ed Tranchina, who is retiring.   

"There's no one more deserving,'' said girls soccer coach Alex Schmidt, a Westfield High grad. "It's fantastic. She has kind of worked behind the scenes, but knows all sports, coaches and athletes and that will be a big help. It'll be a seamless transition.''   

Longtime volleyball coach Bev Torok praised Mamary as the right hire. Tranchina has been athletic director since 1993 when he was promoted from his role as assistant to the late Gary Kehler. Kehler hired Mamary.   

"I'm excited for her,'' Torok said. "She'll step into those very big shoes. But she is ready to step into those shoes. She is well respected by the town, coaches, students and athletes.   

"Good for Westfield for stepping up and hiring the best person,'' she added.   

Football coach Jim DeSarno knew Mamary when the two were graduate students at Kean University in Union.   

"She's has great ideas and there'll be a smooth transition,'' DeSarno said. "She's been part of Westfield for such a long time, Union County in general. She knows people and knows how to deal with athletes.''   

Girls basketball coach Joe Marino said Mamary "will do a great job.   

"She's fair,'' said Marino, who has been coaching and teaching in the district for 23 years. "She works well with the parents, coaches and boosters. She'll be a very good leader. She's a very hard worker and the perfect fit.''     

The man she is replacing feels the same.   

"She's going to do a great job,'' Tranchina said.