Freedom’s track and field team has a new head coach, former North Hunterdon High School (Annandale, N.J.) coach Charlie Heidecker.

“I was so lucky that the head coach position was open at Freedom. I interviewed with Nate Stannard, and he offered me the job,” said Heidecker. “Everyone at Freedom has just been the best to me. I was so happy I could leave NHHS in a positive situation and land at such a welcoming place as Freedom where I could still coach.”

Before Heidecker made the decision to leave North Hunterdon, he wanted to make sure a solid staff would remain there but then realized he still wanted to coach.

“I wanted to remain in coaching. I have helped out the past two seasons with the football team at Freedom thanks to my good friend and head coach Jason Roeder. He is the one that told me he thought Freedom would need a head coach for spring track,” Heidecker said. “As I learned about the position, my biggest concern in becoming the head coach at Freedom was finding assistant coaches. I am extremely fortunate that nearly the entire coaching staff has returned from last year. When I heard they were back, I didn’t have any more questions.”

Freedom cross country coach Bob Thear is returning for distance, Ben Reph is in charge of throwers, Scott Goodwin is on pole vault, Jeremy Efthimiades is on jumps, and Tony Flatts and Adam Syty are sprints and hurdles.

Heidecker has coached a combination of football, wrestling and track for 40 years, played football at Moravian College, and played football and ran track at Liberty High School.

“I hope to bring organization and continuity to the program. I know we’ve had a few coaching changes in recent years. I’d like to let the kids know that we don’t plan on being at Freedom for a year or so. If I am able, I want to be here to see our freshmen graduate. At least, that’s my plan,” said Heidecker. “More than that, I know our assistant coaches will bring energy and excitement to help our kids realize what our team and individuals can achieve. I want the kids to know that if all of us work hard, we can get better.”

The Patriots have 68 girls and 57 boys on their roster so far.

“The coaches and I are extremely pleased,” Heidecker said. “We’ve had to spend much of the time this first week inside but the kids have taken it right in stride and are putting up a really good effort each day at practice. All in all, I don’t think I could ask for more.”