Legendary NJ High School Athletic Director Returning to Alma Mater

Chuck Donohue Jr. steps down from Southern Regional to take on new role at St. Joseph High School in Hammonton

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:37pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a variety of colors, representing the diverse athletic programs and community ties of a high school sports legend.The vibrant, multi-faceted legacy of a legendary high school athletic director's return to his roots.Hammonton Today

Chuck Donohue Jr., a renowned figure in New Jersey high school athletics, is leaving his position as athletic director at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin after 28 years of service. Donohue is returning to his alma mater, St. Joseph High School in Hammonton, where he played football under legendary coach Paul Sacco. During his tenure at Southern Regional, Donohue helped build one of the state's most successful and diverse athletic programs, with championship-winning teams in wrestling, football, boys volleyball, and girls lacrosse.

Why it matters

Donohue's departure from Southern Regional and return to St. Joseph High School represents a significant shift in the high school sports landscape in New Jersey. His leadership and impact on athletic programs over nearly three decades have been remarkable, and his decision to step down and return to his roots is a testament to the importance of family and community ties in shaping one's career path.

The details

In addition to his impressive record of building successful athletic programs at Southern Regional, Donohue's decision to return to St. Joseph High School is driven by a desire to spend more time with his two sons, Parker and Chance, who are involved in sports at the middle school level. The hiring of Delsea head coach Sal Marchese as the new football coach at St. Joseph further adds to the intrigue, as Marchese is the seventh-winningest coach in South Jersey history with a 249-83-1 career record.

  • Donohue has served as the athletic director at Southern Regional High School for 28 years.
  • Donohue is stepping down from his role at Southern Regional in April 2026.
  • Donohue will be taking on a new role at his alma mater, St. Joseph High School in Hammonton.

The players

Chuck Donohue Jr.

A legendary figure in New Jersey high school athletics, who has served as the athletic director at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin for the past 28 years.

St. Joseph High School

Donohue's alma mater, located in Hammonton, New Jersey, where he played football under legendary coach Paul Sacco.

Sal Marchese

The new football coach at St. Joseph High School, who previously served as the head coach at Delsea High School and is the seventh-winningest coach in South Jersey history with a 249-83-1 career record.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The appointment of Sal Marchese as the new football coach at St. Joseph High School will be closely watched as the school looks to build on its athletic success and continue Donohue's legacy.

The takeaway

Chuck Donohue Jr.'s decision to leave Southern Regional and return to his alma mater, St. Joseph High School, highlights the importance of family, community ties, and the lasting impact that dedicated educators and administrators can have on high school sports programs. Donohue's departure from Southern Regional is a significant shift in the New Jersey high school athletics landscape, but his homecoming to Hammonton presents an opportunity for him to focus on his family while continuing to shape the future of the St. Joseph athletic program.