ERMA — Strength and conditioning are the cornerstones of the training philosophy of Matt Danze, the new athletic director for the Lower Cape May Regional School District.
Danze, who was health and physical education: fitness and wellness coordinator/strength and conditioning at Lower Cape May Regional for the past three years, took over July 1 from former athletic director Erik Simonsen.
“In the spring of 2025, Erik announced his retirement. After an extensive search and interviews with many strong candidates, Matt was recommended for the position,” regional disrict Superintendent Greg Lasher said. “During his first year, Matt’s primary goals are to sustain the fitness and wellness program he developed, continue strengthening our athletic programs and increase community engagement and support for all athletic programs and initiatives.”
Prior to working as fitness and wellness coordinator, Danze was assistant varsity football coach at Lower Cape May Regional High School from 2009-24 and was the defensive coordinator from 2017-22. In addition, he was assistant varsity girls lacrosse coach from 2018-22.
Danze also taught elementary health and physical education in Lower Township from 2012-22 and was an in-class support aide at Lower Cape May Regional High School from 2009-12.
Therefore, he was very familiar with Simonsen, who was hired as assistant principal when Superintendent Greg Lasher was principal of the Richard M. Teitelman School in 2011.
“I got to work with Erik through an internship while pursuing a master’s degree,” Danze said, noting Simonsen provided “good insight and good guidance.”
Danze, 38, is a township resident and 2005 graduate of LCMRHS. He has been married for about eight years and has a daughter, 6, and son, 4. The former football player’s goal is to get more sports teams working out in the weight room, which already has shown progress with the girls lacrosse, football and wrestling teams.
“I’m trying to build a foundation of fundamental movement and hope that translates onto the field in play,” Danze said, noting the district is looking to fill his old position.
The district has 725 to 750 students in the high school and participates in the Cape-Atlantic League and NJSIAA as a Group II school based on population.
Danze said in addition to training for sports, he hopes to instill discipline and the mentality of everyday life.
“I’ve been part of athletics, which teach you how to prioritize your day, getting up and getting things done no matter what,” he said, noting that the team aspect means other people hold you accountable. “The goal really is to give them the mentality to be driven, set goals and figure out how to pursue them, set them up for future success.”
Simonsen was hired as vice principal at the Richard M. Teitelman School in 2011. Before joining Lower Cape May Regional, he worked as a music teacher at the county Special Services School District, where he built an outstanding bell choir.
“Outside of school, Simonsen is also an accomplished musician. Known as Twelve O One, he performs at many venues and has written and released two children’s albums during the time I have known him,” Lasher said. “Erik and I worked very well together — he as vice principal and I as principal — until the summer of 2017, when he transitioned to the role of athletic director.”
Simonsen now serves in the state Assembly, where he is seeking a fourth term in November.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Cape May Star and Wave
