SALEM — Montrey Wright was named Salem High's new head football coach on Wednesday night, inheriting a program that appeared in last season's South Jersey, Group 1 final, and is eager to get back there this fall.
"To win it, that's it," Wright said. "That's our goal. To get back there and win it."
Wright takes over for former coach Dennis Thomas, who was hired at Millville in May after two years leading the Rams. Wright, a former Salem standout who also played at Rowan University, was on Thomas' staff as the Rams enjoyed a strong turnaround. He is a youth specialist in the Salem school district.
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When Thomas took the job, Salem was coming off an 0-10 finish in 2012. But the Rams improved to 6-5 in 2013, falling to Penns Grove in the sectional semifinals. Salem then 8-4 last season in getting to the state final, where it fell to Paulsboro, 21-0.
"It's been amazing how far we've come," Wright said, "with the kids with their grades, on the field, off the field. It's been huge."
And now, Wright will aim to continue the turnaround as the Rams seek to accomplish the last objective on their list.
"I always wanted to come back and do something big for my community," Wright said. "The boys are hungry. They got a taste of it last year, and now we're trying to get there and actually get it done."
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James Kratch can be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratchHS. Find the NJ.com High School Football page on Facebook by following this link.