ED HEFFERNAN

“Heff” was the defensive coordinator on some of the best teams in Lacey Township High School history under fellow Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Famer Lou Vircillo. The Lions won seven titles in his 15 seasons, including either a division or state title every year from 1988 through 1993. Lacey won the program’s first state titles when it took home back-to-back NJSIAA sectional championships in 1988 and ’89 behind legendary running back Keith Elias.

Heffernan began his career in 1973-74 as the freshman coach at Red Bank Catholic under head coach Tom Lalli and then became the freshman coach at Toms River South in 1975-76. He joined the varsity staff as the linebackers coach under legendary head coach Ron Signorino Sr. in 1978, and the Indians won the Class A South title and the NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV championship.

He was the defensive coordinator at Toms River South in 1980 and ’81 before serving in the same position for three seasons at rival Toms River North and then moving on to a successful run at Lacey.

Heffernan also coached at Donovan Catholic in 2000 and then completed his career as the running backs coach at Toms River South from 2001-08, which included a Constitution Division title in 2002.

The longtime coach was also inducted into the New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004 and had a decorated career as Toms River South’s track and field coach.

PREVIOUS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:

2022 Jim Simonelli, Long Branch(Coach) Bob Grace, Wall Township(Coach)

Rich Mosca, Midd South/Monmouth(Coach)

Jack Bush, Brick Township(Coach)

2019 Ed Gurrieri, Long Branch(Coach)

Bob Zampelle,Keyport(Coach/Offical)

2018 Dan George, Long Branch(Coach)

Joseph J. Boyd, Central Regional(Coach)

Hugh Boyd Jr.(Contributor)

2017 Leon “Butch” Britton, Matawan(Coach)

Bob Spada, Brick Township(Coach)

2016 Steve Antonucci, Middletown South(Coach)

Kevin Callahan, Monmouth Univ.(Contributor)

Dick Brinster, Asbury Park Press(Contributor)

2015 Mark Costantino, Shore Regional(Coach) Chris Barnes, Wall/Jackson(Coach) Chris Christopher(Contributor)

2014 Bob Generelli, Midd. South/Raritan(Coach)

Bob Nani, Toms River North(Coach) Joe Adelizzi(Contributor) Ed Sarluca(Contributor)

2013 Chuck Donohue, Sr., Southern(Coach) Joe Martucci, Matawan(Coach)

Ron Emmert, Bob Strangia, George Jeck, Ken Turp (Contributors)

2012 Lou Vircillo, Red Bank/Lacey(Coach)

Mike Ciccotelli, Keyport(Coach) Kevin Williams(Contributor)

2011 Vic Kubu, Midd. North/Manasquan(Coach)

Harold “Hal” Schank, Freehold(Coach)

George Conti Jr., Ocean(Coach)

Chip LaBarca Sr., Keansburg/TR South(Coach)

2010 Russ Wright, Lakewood(Coach)

Arnie Truex, Middletown(Coach)

Ron Signornino Sr., TR South(Coach)

John Amabile, Wall, Neptune, SJV(Coach)

2009 Al Saner, Point Boro(Coach)

William “Butch” Bruno, Asbury Park(Coach)

Amedeo “Army” Ippolito, Long Branch (Coach)

Barry Rizzo, Matawan(Coach)

2008 Warren Wolf, Brick/Lakewood(Coach)