Craig Muckle Hired as New Head Wrestling Coach
St. Joseph Academy is excited to announce the hiring of Craig Muckle as our new Head Wrestling Coach. Coach Muckle, a Hammonton native, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for coaching to our athletic program. With over 30 years of coaching experience across various levels and states, Coach Muckle’s commitment to building strong teams, fostering community, and developing athletes is sure to have a lasting impact on our wrestling program.
Growing up in Hammonton, NJ, and St. Petersburg, FL, Coach Muckle has always found his sense of belonging and purpose through sports. He graduated from Hammonton High School in 1991, where he was a letterman in football, wrestling, and baseball. After high school, Coach Muckle served in the U.S. Navy, where he continued his wrestling career, competing in national and international tournaments. His commitment to sports continued as he transitioned into a career in coaching.
Coach Muckle’s coaching journey began as a volunteer for Norfolk Little League and later expanded to positions as an assistant wrestling coach for Hammonton High School and St. Augustine Prep. His experience spans various states, including Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Kentucky, where he has worked with athletes of all ages, from youth to college-level wrestling. Throughout his career, Coach Muckle has sent numerous athletes to compete at the collegiate level, a testament to his dedication to player development.
His coaching philosophy centers around the values of family, community, and integrity. He believes in building athletes up both on and off the mat, fostering an environment where athletes are encouraged to grow and support each other. Coach Muckle emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, team unity, and always doing the right thing.
“I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to St. Joseph Academy,” said Coach Muckle. “My goal is to build a wrestling program that not only excels on the mat but also creates a strong community where athletes can thrive both academically and athletically. I look forward to working with our student-athletes and helping them reach their full potential.”
Timothy Fingerhut, SJA’s Athletic Director, shared his enthusiasm about Coach Muckle’s hiring: “We are thrilled to have Coach Muckle join the SJA family. His extensive coaching background, leadership skills, and values align perfectly with our athletic department’s mission to cultivate character, discipline, and success both in sports and in life. We are confident that Coach Muckle will help take our wrestling program to new heights.”
Please join us in welcoming Coach Craig Muckle to the St. Joseph Academy community. We look forward to the exciting future ahead for our wrestling program and student-athletes.
