Coming back from the struggles of last year, Waterford High School is excited to hear about a new coach for the upcoming season.
Pat Dougherty, the newly announced head coach, previously worked as a running back coach for the Wesleyan Cardinals football team. This information excited many football players. Griffin Haffey says, “The fact that he was a running back coach for a college football team gives me more motivation and confidence to be working with him. I think this change will improve my skills greatly for the future.”
Dougherty sees coaching this team as his next step: “I want to continue to grow as a coach, and this is a great opportunity to lead a dedicated group of people and apply what I have learned about football, strength and conditioning, and leading a team.” But it’s not just about that, Dougherty explains. He thinks Waterford is a great fit for him, stating, “The more I learn about the school, athletics, and leadership, the more I want to be here. Everyone is aligned on what it will take to set our student-athletes up for success and to have the best possible experience. I cannot wait to do my part.”
Although last season impacted many players, the effect of the new coach has seemed to diminish any doubts. Dougherty says, “ I’ve walked onto teams that haven’t won in a year or a year and a half, and I just flip that switch right away, so last season doesn’t intimidate me at all.”
The team has a similar motivation soon after meeting the new coach. Junior Lucas Racicot says, “Dougherty is really just eliminating all of last year, and he’s now just focusing on incorporating all new things to our team, which seems good for our future. “
Thomas Flanagan says, “I was pleased about the old coaches leaving, and I am excited to gain a better staff in the program.” Many agree, but are still annoyed about last year’s struggles. Racicot says, “I’m excited the old coach is gone, but going through the process of meeting and building a relationship with a different coach is annoying.”
Dougherty’ knows what he is looking for in his players.. First is commitment, Dougherty says, “Commitment is huge, our off season already, we have guys coming in all the time at our lifts, even if they have other sports going on; that shows great things about these guys” This shows the team is starting off strong with players showing effort and being determined to work for a positive upcoming season. Alongside that, Dougherty is big on being there for the team, with the idea that if you let down yourself, you’re letting down your team too. “Leave no doubt you’re ready to go play, and also show your teammates you’re ready to commit to the team they are a part of,” he says. Working as a team rather than many individuals can change the outcome of the game.
Dougherty is big on the little things, he believes all the little consistent things will lead up to positive outcomes. Dougherty explains, “We need to build great practice habits and maintain a really high standard for how we work each week. Anytime we are working on football, it is going to feel like 4th and 1.” This illustrates his motivation to keep the team intensified and heightened. Junior Mark Dodani says, “lifts have already been faster and more efficient. Our old practices and lifts went on for hours, with minimal work getting done, this has dramatically changed since Dougherty has been here.”
As for game days, the football team will be showing up this year. Dougherty is really into energy: “The game day atmosphere will be great this year. Our team will be coming out and playing for the community and making people proud. We represent our families, school, and team and we plan to do it right.” This positivity has already been impacting the team, Dodani says, “We have our eyes forward, and we are working to be the best version of Waterford football as we can.”
As for technicalities of the game, Dougherty is putting lots of effort into creating a strong team, stating, “Focus, poise, and connection between teammates will be critical to our success. I want to be the best developmental program in Connecticut, maximizing our players’ capabilities in speed, strength, change of direction, and other skills that contribute to winning.” But most importantly, beyond that, “I want them to be good people after high school. Football taught me how to approach important parts of life, and I want my players to have that same experience.”
Pat Dougherty hopes developing a positive team will impact the Waterford community, leading to a consistent, strong standard for our program.
