Morris Catholic names new president, AD. Girls basketball coach takes college job

When the new school year begins, new leaders will greet Morris Catholic High School students in the classrooms, on the football field and at courtside for its championship girls basketball team.

The Denville private school's outgoing president, Father Peter Clarke, announced in a letter to the school community Thursday that his successor will be Brian Vohden, a vice-president at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta. Vohden will start at Morris Catholic this fall.

Clarke also announced several changes in the school's athletic department. They include a new athletic director and the departure of girls' basketball coach Billy Lovett, who led the Crusaders to three straight county championships, back-to-back state titles and a national ranking during his six years. Lovett has accepted a position as assistant head coach at Siena College, a Division 1 program, Clarke said.

"We are grateful to Billy for what he has accomplished at Morris Catholic and the legacy of excellence he has given to our school and our student-athletes," Clarke wrote.

New president at Morris Catholic

Vohden will start in the fall as well, but Clarke said he would also be staying on. The outgoing president previously said he was leaving after seven years to take a sabbatical, but on Thursday said he will instead stay on as principal.

"I have known Brian for almost 20 years, and he is a champion of Catholic education and a trusted colleague and friend," Clarke wrote of his successor. "His demeanor, professionalism, and zeal for Catholic education will be a true asset to Morris Catholic."

At Pope John, Vohden most recently served as vice president of the Catholic Academy of Sussex County, which includes several elementary and middle schools in Sparta, according to his LinkedIn page. The Academy is based at the Sparta high school.

He began his career after earning a bachelor's degree in English from Assumption College and a master's in educational leadership management and policy from Seton Hall University.

"Guided by the virtues of faith, hope, and love, I am dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can encounter Christ, pursue academic excellence, and grow into the persons God created them to be," Vohden wrote in an introductory letter on Friday. "I am dedicated to creating a culture of collaboration and respect, where every member of our school community feels empowered to contribute to our shared mission."

Pauldo twins declare for Tennessee

The news of Lovett's departure came the same day that team's stars in the backcourt, twin sisters Mia and Mya Pauldo, said they'd made their college decision and would play for the University of Tennessee in 2025 after completing their senior year at Morris Catholic..

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Other significant changes have taken place in the Morris Catholic athletic department this year. Head football coach John Hack resigned his post earlier this year and the school in May named Rae Oliver as his replacement.

Wednesday, Clarke announced that James Smith will be the school's new athletic director. Smith previously served six years as athletic director at Mountain Lakes High School before coming to Morris Catholic as a history teacher and assistant football coach in 2022.

Correction: A previous version of this story mistakenly said the Pauldo sisters will play at Tennessee this fall. They will return to Morris Catholic as seniors this fall and have declared for Tennessee for the following year.

William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com 

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