Roselle Park stadium to bear the name of legendary longtime coach
John Wagner will be honored with a ceremony before Thursday’s game.
More Stories
For more than two decades, Roselle Park football coach John Wagner patrolled the sidelines, helping build a successful football program. Now, his name will have a permanent home on the field.
Right before the Roselle Park Panthers take the field for Thursday night’s game against Belvidere, the borough’s sports complex will officially be named John Wagner Stadium at Herm Shaw Field.
As well-received as the decision was to recognize Wagner’s success by giving the stadium his name, the road to get to this point was winding. Plans to honor the beloved head coach — who led the football program from 1981 to 2005 and also served as a vice principal and athletic director — have been in the works for a while.
“On May 12, 2026, a formal request was submitted to the superintendent and members of the Board of Education by a committee formed to explore appropriate ways to recognize Mr. Wagner’s legacy within the Roselle Park School District,” the superintendent of schools said in his recommendation during the June 16 meeting. “The committee thoughtfully considered various options and ultimately proposed naming a section of the football stadium, a space closely connected to Mr. Wagner’s years of service and impact.”
A 1969 graduate of Roselle Park High School, Wagner, now 75, also had a stint coaching football for Point Pleasant Beach. But it is his career coaching the Panthers that people in Roselle Park still remember and talk about.
“Mr. Wagner served the district with distinction as a teacher, football coach and vice principal/athletic director. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated a deep commitment to students and student-athletes, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on the school community through his leadership, mentorship and dedication,” the superintendent’s report during the meeting said.
Tonight’s ceremony — which Wagner plans to attend with his family — will take place at 5:40 p.m. at the lower field entrance in Roselle Park.
