Mineral Ridge football coach Velasquez resigns

February 21, 2014 at 12:07a.m.

Velasquez resigns to pursue full-time teaching position

WEATHERSfield

For the second time in two years, the Mineral Ridge High football program is searching for a head coach.

Doug Velasquez on Thursday informed Weathersfield superintendent Damon Dohar that he will not reapply for the head coaching job he held for just 13 months. Velasquez was hired as the Rams’ coach last January. In his only year with the program, the Rams finished 5-5.

Velasquez currently serves as a special education aide in the Weathersfield School District. He is pursuing a special education teaching position.

“It just came down to a matter of timing,” Velasquez said. “I am seeking a teaching job, and there are no openings right now in Mineral Ridge. I didn’t want an employment opportunity to surface in July or August, then I am stuck leaving the football program high and dry. This move is based on what I believe is best for both myself and the program.

“I have nothing but great admiration and respect for everyone associated with Mineral Ridge school system. I love the people here, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity given to me.”

Velasquez said he would continue to run the off-season weight program until his successor is named.

Mineral Ridge began its 2013 season by winning four of five games. However, the Rams struggled down the stretch, losing four straight before closing the season with a win over Leetonia. Still, Velasquez said he felt as though “great strides” were made over the past 12 months.

“In 2012, Mineral Ridge really struggled defensively in the games they lost,” Velasquez said. “Last fall, we were very competitive even in our losses. Our defense improved drastically. In the weight room, we started out with two players who could bench over 225 pounds. Today we’re at 12.

“I believe we set a really strong foundation. I truly believe that I can walk away knowing I left the program in good shape.”

Dohar said the district will conduct an immediate search for Velasquez’s replacement. Applications will be accepted until March 3. Interviews will follow, and a decision is expected by mid-month.

“We have a board meeting on March 19, and I want the hire to be made on that date,” Dohar said. “We’re already well into our off-season program, so the sooner we act on the matter, the better for everyone involved.”

Dohar said he “greatly appreciated” Velasquez’s service to Mineral Ridge and respected his decision to step down.

“I know this was a very tough thing for Doug to do, and I really admire the fact that he was thinking of the kids when he made this decision,” Dohar said. “He didn’t want to get into a situation where he left us in a jam several months down the road.”

Velasquez served as an assistant for 22 years before assuming the role of head coach. He hopes to return to coaching in the future.

Dohar said that interested applicants should mail a resume to the board office. They can also email their resumes to damon.dohar@neomin.org.