One of the decorated officials in New Jersey history, it’s only fitting that Hart was the first recipient of the most prestigious award.

Hart earned the Richard C. Mirshak Award for “Excellence in Officiating” in 1983.

A well-respected official who worked numerous district, regional and state finals in the NJSIAA Tournament, Hart held several positions in the New Jersey Wrestling Officials Association, including President from 1993-94. He was also the Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary for the organization.

Ken officiated many NJSIAA District, Regional and State final bouts, and was a Lifetime Award Member of the New Jersey Wrestling Officials Association, and also the Cadet Supervisor for the Northwest New Jersey Chapter of Wrestling Officials.

Hart wrestled in the Roxbury Recreation program before reaching the high school ranks where we competed under Mirshak from 1961-65. He later wrestled four years at the collegiate level at Milligan College.

He entered the coaching ranks at Science Hill in Tennessee where he started the program in1969 and won Coach of the Year honors two years later.

Hart returned to the Garden State in 1971 as an assistant coach at his alma mater before landing the head coach job at Lenape Valley where he the Patriots from 1973-78.

A two-time Morris County Coach of the Year winner, Hart led the Newton program from 1984-86 where he coached two-time state champion Andy Iliff.

Hart moved into the administration part of education where he was principal at Vernon (1992-95), Elmwood Park (1995-97) and Boonton (1997-99), earning Morris County Principal of the Year in 1999. He was also an Assistant Superintendent/Board Secretary for Newtown Public Schools from 1985-1992.

A member of the NJSIAA Executive Committee (1992-95), Hart was also part of the Eligibility Committee from 1993-1995.

A resident of Tampa, he is currently the Deputy Director/Chief of Schools for Hillsborough County Public Schools, a district that houses over 255 schools.

Hart resides in Tampa, Fla., with his wife Hulya Tasci-Hart. They have two children Dustin and Richard.