Woodstock pg 9 2-23-12
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- Category: Past Issues
By Ron P. Coderre
Woodstock Academy is experiencing a growth spurt in its student body but the status of its athletic coaching staff has been experiencing the opposite effect. The most recent departure from the coaching ranks occurred with the resignation of well respected veteran football coach Gary Brine.
Brine is the fourth Woodstock coach to step down from a major coaching position in the past 12 months. Last spring coach Dave Walley vacated the softball position just prior to the start of the season. Following the conclusion of the baseball season, coach Dave Austin tendered his resignation. The soccer program also lost its coach, Jay Gerum, who accepted another position in the system, which prevented him from remaining on the sidelines.
Getting coaches to commit to teams for the long term appears to be something that schools, not only Woodstock Academy, are experiencing. In years past coaches generally came from the teaching ranks. Today, teachers in the coaching ranks are becoming the exception rather than the rule.
The departure of coach Brine, who will remain in his position in the Alternative Center for Educational Support (ACES) at the Academy, leaves a major gap in a program that will be seven years old in September. The fledgling program, for a variety of reasons has been much like the stock market in its five years of varsity competition, experiencing its ups and downs.
The Centaurs have posted a 12-48 log in varsity competition since its existence. Under Brine during his four seasons at the helm, the team is 10-31 overall and 4-14 in the ECC. They experienced their best record in 2008, its initial varsity season, going 4-7 and 3-3 in the ECC Small Division. Since moving into the Large Division because of the school’s enrollment, the Centaurs have experienced a lack of success.
Brine, despite the program’s struggles, was the right man for the job. He came to Woodstock from Killingly with 28 years of football coaching under his belt, four years as the head mentor. He not only brought solid experience with him but he also had the correct disposition for a fledgling program that was attempting to build a positive football mentality in its players.
“I’m concerned for the welfare of the student-athletes on the field. It’s difficult to face bigger and more experienced teams week in and week out when you’re trying to build a program,” said Brine.
“I started to re-evaluate my position last season and came to the conclusion that it might be time to let someone else have an opportunity to try their hand as the coach,” he concluded.
Adding to Brine’s decision was the fact that he also lost his number one assistant and longtime friend, Gene Blain, who left the sidelines to tend to his growing administrative duties in the Windham school system.
“I’m sure it will be difficult to be absent from the sidelines after coaching for 34 years. I know it’ll feel strange at first but I’ll adjust,” said Brine, who’ll remain as the volunteer assistant with the basketball program.
“I was very sad to receive Gary’s resignation. He was always excellent with the kids and did a great job as a coach. The time, energy, effort and commitment he put into the program will be greatly missed,” said Athletic Director Chris Coderre.
In April Brine is scheduled for surgery to have a knee replacement. In recent years he’s experienced ankle problems which also required surgical attention. He and his wife, Penny have one daughter, who has presented them with two beautiful grandchildren whom they plan to devote more time to now.
In the past 34 years football coach Gary Brine has mentored and cared for hundreds of other people’s sons. Following his decision to step down as varsity football coach at Woodstock Academy, he’ll now have an opportunity to finally enjoy his own family.