Scannell Was Hired to Coach Wrestling, Not Replace a Legend

As wrestling coach Gene Barber registered win No. 500 last season, a sign on the Absegami High School gymnasium wall read "Losing Weight, Easy … Losing a Legend, Hard."

Losing Barber, one of four coaches in southern New Jersey history to reach 500 wins, will be difficult for the Braves, but it doesn't mean the program's reputation or credibility has to take a hit.

Barber was beloved by many, and over his four decades built one of the most elite programs in the state. He was the face of the program, and he taught countless students on and off the mat.

However, the program is now in the hands of Shawn Scannell, and those hands are accomplished and worthy of the job.

It's never easy to replace a "legend," but Scannell wasn't hired to be Barber. Scannell was hired because he was the best candidate for the job.

"I put pressure on myself because I know the legacy Gene Barber left behind," Scannell said. "I feel pressure to live up to that, and our guys are preparing and working hard."

Scannell was a state champion at Absegami, and has been an assistant under Barber.

He knows what wrestling means to the school and community more than just about anybody.

Scannell has the experience of wearing the brown singlet, and a coach's whistle. He gained valuable experience as Barber's assistant, and has been through the mat wars, some won and some lost.

"I guess it makes it easier because I know what is expected and I understand the program," Scannell said. "We have an unbelievable history and I value and respect that."

The transition between Barber and Scannell should be a smooth one. He knows the wrestlers, the opposition and the community.

Truth is, he has been part of the close-knit Absegami wrestling community for years.

"Everybody has been very supportive," Scannell said. "It's wasn't a big secret who was following Gene. I have been getting positive feedback from the administration. They have been helpful and informative. So far, we haven't had any bad publicity. We will see how the season goes and how we will do, but in general the community has been very respectful and supportive. It's been great."

That support should continue. The Braves should once again maintain a level of excellence that everyone is used to seeing from them.

It's what the Braves and Scannell expect from themselves.