To say new Middletown High School head football coach Collin Delauter just likes football would be an understatement, it’s in his blood.
Delauter grew up through the program playing for 13 years and then continuing into college.
His love for the game is clear.
“When I went to college I wanted to become a teacher and I wanted to become a football coach and I’ve always wanted to give back to Middletown,” said Delauter.
These goals are what steered him toward the new position.
“I heard from word of mouth…. and I called him (Kevin Lynott) the next day and asked him how he was doing and everything like that, because me and him still have a close relationship and I put in for the job short after that.”
It was Lynott’s coaching that made him want to pursue this.
“When I had Coach Lynott, I thought he was a wonderful coach. He always coached for the player and the person first and for the game second and that has definitely carried over into my coaching style and my teaching style.”
Delauter is no stranger to hard work and was part of the team each year they went to the state championship.
“What motivates me is to just be the best man I can be for all the people around me.”
Although winning is a goal, it’s not his priority.
“Winning obviously, I mean that’s the goal of any high school football program, but I’m more focused on the brotherhood.”
Delauter wants the players to bond and feel that they can always come to him.
“A trusting bond, that they feel they can come talk to me about anything, that’s a goal.”
Although he’s already started the position, he is still in Virginia teaching.
“I will officially be starting summer workouts on June 13, and I will be finished teaching in Virginia on June 12, so the very next day I will be back in Middletown coaching.”
His excitement is obvious.
“I’m most excited just connecting with the players. When I was coming through I had great, great mentors as coaches and they really helped develop me to the person I am today.”
Some people are worried about him taking on such a big job at a young age.
“I think it could be an advantage because he can relate to how it feels to be a player because he was just one in high school and college not to long ago and he will surround himself with a great cast of people,” said former head coach Kevin Lynott.
When asked how he feels about a former player becoming the new head coach, Lynott had nothing but good things to say.
“It’s kinda like a father seeing his son grow up and succeed.”
The players are also excited about this new endeavor.
“I think it’s awesome. We’ll be able to relate to him and get some of the stuff he’s passed down from being a player,” said rising senior Kyle Klink.
The players feel he is a great asset to the Middletown program.
“I think how much he cares about Middletown football and the tradition he has started will be his biggest asset,” said rising senior Ethan Joseph.
It will be a change in the program that has had Lynott as head coach for thirteen years.
Delauter is ready for the challenges ahead.
“No matter your age when you’re a coach, everybody makes mistakes…. So for the people who may have worries or doubts, I don’t really consider other people’s worries. I just focus on what I’m doing, one day at a time, and make the best decision at the time.”
