Police said Kenneth Emmons was a passenger in the vehicle at the time.
PENNSVILLE TWP. -- The head wrestling coach at Pennsville Memorial High School resigned after he was found with an open container of alcohol while with students in a car, authorities said.
Kenneth Emmons, 23, who became the head wrestling coach last year and is also an assistant baseball coach, stepped down from his position on May 9 at the board of education meeting, Pennsville School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mike Brodzik confirmed Thursday.
Emmons, a graduate of Pennsville who was a stand-out athlete during his time there, was a passenger in a car at the time of the incident, police said.
Pictured is Kenny Emmons back in 2011 at the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City (Lori M. Nichols | Gloucester County Times) Pennsville Police conducted a motor vehicle stop while patrolling the area of Riviera Drive Saturday, May 9 at 3:22 a.m.
Officers found Emmons, 23, with an open container of Coors Light in the car, as well as an unopened case in the back seat, authorities reported.
Emmons, who is also a substitute teacher for the district, was cited for possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle -- an offense that could come with a $200 fine.
A juvenile was driving the car and a second juvenile passenger was in the vehicle. The teens weren't cited, according to police.
Brodzik would not comment about Emmons, but did say that nontenured teaching staff members, which includes substitute teachers, who are accused of criminal offenses or unbecoming conduct are to resign, retire or will be removed from their positions.
Brodzik must also notify the New Jersey Board of Examiners regarding the incident.
Emmons confirmed on Thursday that he resigned from his position but declined to comment.
In his only year as coach, Emmons led Pennsville to an 18-5 record, which earned the team the co-championship of the Tri-County Conference Classic Division and a berth in February's South Jersey Group I wrestling tournament as the number three seed. Pennsville defeated sixth-seeded Pitman before losing to second-seeded Buena in the tournament semifinals.
Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find NJ.com on Facebook.