millville Wrestling Welcomes Back Veteran Coach Scott Stay
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A familiar face returns to lead the Millville High School wrestling program, as Scott Stay has been reinstated as head coach. Stay previously led the Thunderbolts for 14 seasons, from 2003 to 2017, and takes the reins from Jason Bilinski, who successfully guided the team for the past eight years.
Stay’s return comes after a period of reflection and a rekindled passion for the sport. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m happy to be back. It’s a good group of kids. I had an possibility to come back and I decided to take it. If I didn’t do it now,I might not get another chance.” Bilinski concluded his tenure with a highly prosperous 2024-2025 season,achieving an 18-4 record and securing the Cape-Atlantic League National Division title.
A Proven Track Record of Success
During his initial run as head coach, Stay established a winning culture at Millville. He led the team to consecutive playoff appearances and 18-win seasons in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 – a program record that was recently matched by Bilinski’s squad. This history of achievement underscores the program’s potential under Stay’s renewed leadership.
Initially,Stay did not foresee a return to coaching. “For the frist two or three seasons after that, I didn’t miss it at all,” he said. “I did nothing wrestling related during that time.” However, a request from Christian Varga and other wrestling parents to assist with the Lakeside Middle School wrestling program sparked a renewed interest.”Wrestling has been a big part of my life since I was 10 years old,” Stay explained. “I saw the excitement the young kids had for wrestling, they’re learning and I was just able to go out there and coach.”
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 Season
Millville’s wrestling team is scheduled to begin its season at the Pete Adams Memorial Tournament in Vineland on Saturday. The team will be led by junior Patrick Tull, a standout wrestler who placed fifth at 138 pounds at Region 8 last winter. Tull’s experience and skill will be crucial as the Thunderbolts aim to build upon last season’s success.
The appointment of Stay signals a commitment to continued excellence for the Millville wrestling program, blending experience with a renewed sense of purpose.
Why: Scott Stay was reinstated as the head coach of the Millville High School wrestling program after a period away from the sport. He replaces Jason Bilinski, who led the team for eight successful years. Stay’s return was prompted by a rekindled passion for wrestling and an opportunity he felt compelled to take.
Who: Scott Stay is the newly reinstated head coach. Jason Bilinski is the former head coach. Patrick tull is a key wrestler expected to lead the team. Christian Varga and other wrestling parents played a role in Stay’s return by requesting his assistance with the Lakeside Middle School program.
What: the Millville high School wrestling program has a new head coach.Stay previously coached the team from 2003-2017 and returns after Bilinski’s successful eight-year tenure, which culminated in an 18-4 season and a Cape-Atlantic
