Ridgewood Village Council Honors Championship Coaches: Recognition or Political Play?

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — During Wednesday night’s Village Council meeting, three of Ridgewood High School’s most accomplished coaches were recognized for their remarkable achievements in Bergen County athletics.

The honorees included:

• Michael Troy – Named Bergen County Coach of the Year for boys basketball.

• Kyle Schulke – Honored as the Big North Conference Coach of the Year for boys swimming.

• Kurt Hommen – Recognized as the winningest baseball coach in Bergen County history.

Each was presented with a formal proclamation of achievement by Ridgewood’s governing body, and in true Ridgewood fashion, the event drew cameras and applause — with photo ops rivaling the red carpet at the Oscars.

An Unusual Venue for Recognition?

While the accolades were well-deserved, some residents and attendees noted a curious detail: why was this tribute hosted by the Village Council and not the Ridgewood Board of Education, which directly employs these coaches?

The answer may lie not just in celebration — but in political calculation.

Sports, Politics, and Photo Ops

Sources suggest that the Village Council, led by Mayor Paul Vagianos, has leaned into high-visibility sports-related events as part of a broader effort to align with popular community sentiment and local influencers, particularly those with ties to Ridgewood’s robust athletic programs.

The presence of media, community members, and proud parents made for an ideal political photo opportunity — one that some critics say blurs the lines between genuine recognition and campaign strategy.

“Vagianos and company want to pay homage to anything sports-related because that is the source of their campaign finances,” said one community member.
“And no one likes a photo op (or several dozen photo ops) more than our ego-driven mayor.”

Where Should Recognition Happen?

While most agree that Troy, Schulke, and Hommen deserve every bit of praise for their success and leadership, the venue and intent of the recognition have sparked debate:

• Should public school employees be formally honored at Board of Education meetings instead of municipal government sessions?

• Is the Village Council overstepping by leveraging these achievements for political gain?

• Or is this simply a case of a community celebrating its hometown heroes — no matter the forum?

Athletic Excellence in Ridgewood

Despite the questions, the accomplishments of these coaches reflect Ridgewood’s strong tradition of athletic excellence:

• Coach Troy led his basketball team to a standout season that earned him county-wide acclaim.

• Coach Schulke’s swimmers dominated the pool in 2024, setting team records.

• Coach Hommen has become a legend in Bergen County baseball, cementing his legacy after decades of success.

Whether the spotlight was political or celebratory, one thing is clear: Ridgewood is proud of its champions — on the field, in the pool, and in the dugout.

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