For the week of November 19 - 24, 2003

Wood River soccer coach retires

Brian Daluiso steps down
after winning state

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By JODY ZARKOS
Express Staff Writer

Luckily he saved the announcement until the end, because it was a real party killer.

Brian Daluiso pauses during the announcement of his retirement (Courtesy photo by Calder Zarkos)

Coach Brian Daluiso announced his retirement at the boys’ soccer banquet at Rico’s last Thursday.

The statement was met with both disbelief and sadness.

It is not often a coach steps down at the top of his game, but Daluiso said he could no longer be an effective coach and top-flight teacher at the same time.

"The Blaine County School District pays me for two things, for being an English teacher and being a soccer coach. I can’t do both," he said.

"I do love coaching, but the thing I love most is teaching English. I guess I am a nerd at heart."

In a span of seven years –1997-2003 – Daluiso (and Craig Roth in 1997-98) guided the boys’ varsity team to an overall record of 96-24-11, six straight state finals and three A-3 state championships, in 1998, 1999 and 2003.

"It’s been an amazing seven years," Daluiso remarked.

A 1986 Wood River graduate, Daluiso said he made the decision before the first game of the season, but not before wrestling with it for some time.

A heavy workload was a key factor in his decision.

"I need a break," he said.

After a standing ovation, Daluiso summed up with, "I really thank you for the support I have gotten from everyone. It has been a high point of my life for the last seven years."

Wood River athletic director Ron Martinez said he was very sorry to see Daluiso step down.

"He is a quality teacher and a quality soccer coach. He’s just been awesome," Martinez remarked.

Martinez said a committee will be formed to find a replacement for the coveted head coaching job.

The board will consist of school officials, parents and students and the new coach could be chosen "within a month."

"I would think if we make that decision it would be sooner rather than later. We have some fairly strong candidates," Martinez said.

 

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