Wolff to be
replaced by Ryan Napierala starting February 8, 2016
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ
(February 5, 2016) – Longtime
Meadowlands Director of Track Maintenance Gary Wolff is leaving the historic
harness racing facility to become the new track superintendant at Hoosier Park
in Indiana. Wolff will be replaced by Ryan Napierala, effective February 8, who
comes to the Meadowlands from White Birch Farm in Allentown, New Jersey.
Wolff has served in his
position at the Meadowlands since 2008. During that time, he oversaw the
maintenance of the Meadowlands harness and thoroughbred surfaces as well as the
backstretch. Prior to his arrival at the Meadowlands, he served as the track
superintendant at Freehold Raceway, Garden State Park, and Buffalo Raceway.
The move will be a homecoming
of sorts for Wolff who previously worked at Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs.
“Gary will be sorely missed
and we cannot thank him enough for his expertise, dedication, and friendship to
everyone here at the Meadowlands,” said Meadowlands CEO and General Manager
Jason M. Settlemoir.
“I am very thankful to Jason
and Jeff Gural for giving me the opportunity at the Meadowlands and it truly
has been a pleasure working with the whole team at the Meadowlands for all of
these years,” said Wolff. “While I will miss New Jersey, I am looking forward
to the opportunity at Hoosier Park and getting back to the Midwest.”
Napierala comes to the
Meadowlands after serving as Racetrack Manager at White Birch Farm and serving
in various other maintenance positions at several training centers. He has
worked with Wolff for the past several weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
“Gary Wolff is one of the
best, and I have big shoes to fill,” said Napierala. “I was taught by my dad to
take pride in what I do and learned to be great by his example, and I know that
knowledge will show. I'm excited and thankful for the opportunity that Jeff and
Jason are giving me, and will not disappoint.”
“Ryan comes highly
recommended from some of the top trainers in the sport that train at White
Birch and we look forward to working with him,” added Settlemoir.
Wolff will be honored in a
winner’s circle ceremony during Saturday night’s racing program at the
Meadowlands.
