Canon-McMillan wrestling coach resigns
After an eight-year association with the program, Jason Cardillo has resigned as Canon-McMillan High School’s wrestling coach.
Cardillo said it was for family reasons.
“It was really a tough decision,” said Cardillo. “It’s been really tough on my family. I almost resigned last year but my wife was on maternity leave so I was able to sneak one more year in.”
Cardillo said he won’t completely disconnect from the sport. He plans to be at some events and work with the kids, if asked.
“Wrestling is so all-consuming,” he said. “You travel so much. With a sport like wrestling, you are gone every weekend from December to March. It’s hard to do that. It’s time for me to be home and be with my family.”
Cardillo took over the program when Chris Mary resigned after the 2012-13 season, capping an outstanding run of five PIAA team titles over his final three seasons.
Interestingly, Mary cited the same reason – family – for why he walked away after 12 years, and the two discussed those difficulties.
“We talked about it,” Cardillo said. “He told me how important his family was to him and it’s super important to me.”
Vulcano said he wasn’t completely caught off guard by Cardillo’s decision.
“I had heard some rumors,” said Vulcano. “He has a couple little kids at home. Jason did a great job, taking over when Chris left. Now, we have to find someone to take over for Jason. There is a great tradition in wrestling at Canon-Mac. We will find someone to build on that.”
Vulcano said Cardillo’s replacement should have varsity head coach or college coaching experience. A teaching position does not come with the job, which pays $10,000 per year. Cardillo is a physical education teach in the district.
Cardillo ended his stay on a high note, coaching Brendan Furman to the Class AAA heavyweight title at the PIAA Championships at the Giant Center in Hershey two weeks ago. Furman was one of three medalists for the Big Macs. Freshman Gerrit Nijenhuis was third at 152 pounds and junior Logan Macri took fifth at 126 pounds.
Canon-McMillan finished third in the WPIAL Team Tournament and qualified for the state event in Hershey in February. It was the second straight season the Big Macs qualified for the PIAA Team Tournament.
“The program will always have that type of talent coming up,” said Cardillo. “It hasn’t really hit me yet (not being head coach). It’s hard to see the future but I’m not going to walk away from it for good.”
Vulcano said applications for the job will be taken until April 21.