By Ron P. Coderre

Coach Darryl Daleen’s arrival at Woodstock Academy in the spring of 2016 was heralded as an opportunity for the Centaurs to resurrect its gridiron fortunes.  Coach Daleen was successful in that endeavor, as he led the Centaurs to a 4-6 record in his first season, the most victories by a Woodstock football team since the program was reinstituted.  Daleen came to Woodstock Academy after serving as an assistant football coach at Central Connecticut State University.

The movement of the program toward a winning tradition had barely sunk in when the Academy administration, coaches, players, parents and fans were stunned by the sudden announcement that Daleen was departing the program after one season at the helm.

Daleen is relocating his family to the St. Louis area.  His resignation comes as a result of the need to move his family to provide the best medical care for one of his children who is undergoing treatment for a rare medical condition.

“It saddens me to leave, especially under these circumstances.  I know the program will be going in the direction I had envisioned, and I hope the best for the program and the players,” said Daleen in a news release from the Academy’s Office of Institutional Advancement.

During his brief tenure Daleen instilled a winning attitude and interest in the football program, the student body and the community.  His team this past season produced record-setting offensive performances, which led to the 4-6 record.  Entering the Thanksgiving Day contest against Thames River the Centaurs had the opportunity to finish the season at .500.  Unfortunately the high-scoring offense was prevalent but the defense was absent, as Woodstock fell 60-58 to the Crusaders in one of the highest-scoring Turkey Day games on record.

“We are grateful for the hard work and commitment Darryl brought to our program, and for the way he energized our players and helped bring a positive culture for our student athletes back to Woodstock.  Our thoughts and prayers go with him and his family,” said Headmaster Christopher Sandford.  

“I would like to thank coach Daleen for the hard work that he and his staff put into the program this past season and for helping the Woodstock Academy football community believe that we can be successful here,” said Aaron Patterson Academy director of Athletics. 

Fortunately for Woodstock football, critical members of the coaching staff that Daleen brought to the Academy will remain intact.  Former University of Hawaii quarterback Greg Alexander, who served as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, will remain with the program as will defensive coordinator Steve Sheehan.

 

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