Anthony DeFilio has been introduced as the new head coach of the Coginchaug/East Hampton/Nathan Hale-Ray football team. The co-op’s new head man served as an assistant with the program for the past six seasons and has been involved with Durham/Middlefield youth football for 14 years.
A news release announcing DeFilio’s hiring states, “Coach DeFilio uses football to teach life lessons and emphasizes the importance of being a student-athlete and a productive member of the community. Throughout his six years as an assistant coach at Coginchaug, he has truly been a champion for all student-athletes, regardless if they have ever played for him.”
DeFilio replaces Mike Eagle at the helm of the Coginchaug/East Hampton/Hale-Ray squad, which managed just one victory last fall.
In the news release, DeFilio said his “vision” for the co-op “is to cultivate a culture of football from the youth level through the high school level that promotes a unified understanding of fair play, fundamental football skills, and team camaraderie.”
He continued: “I will incorporate a system where student-athletes will learn how to prepare for football, how to play the game of football, and how to play the game at the next level if they wish to. It is important for student-athletes to understand that football is not just a game but a chance for young people to develop the necessary character and work ethic skills to be successful on and off the field. I am excited to begin the journey together.”
Coginchaug/East Hampton/Hale-Ray assistant coach Rich Murphy believes DeFilio is the right guy to get the program on track, calling him “a passionate, hard-working, and caring person who will be an excellent leader of this football team.”
“I believe he will work tirelessly to ensure that all our players grow as student-athletes, and people,” Murphy stated in the hiring announcement. “He is an individual who will work to instill team camaraderie, hard work, and fun into the Blue Devil football program, which will lead to our success.”
A certified public accountant, DeFilio resides in the community. Four of his children graduated from CRHS; and another is there currently.