Prep Football: Former Boylan coach Dan Appino new head coach at Rockford Auburn

Online Staff Report

Editor’s note: The following is from a press release from Rockford Public School District 205.

Rockford Public School District 205 Director of Athletics Mat Parker and Auburn High School Principal Ryan Reinecke announced the planned hiring of former Rockford Boylan Catholic head football coach Dan Appino as head football coach at Auburn High School. The announcement took place during a press conference in the Auburn High School library this afternoon.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Appino’s track record leading our football team,” said Parker. “His record speaks for itself with two state championships and a 97-19 career record.”

Appino coached football at Boylan Catholic High School for 27 years, 10 as head coach, culminating in state titles the past two years. Appino also worked at Boylan as a guidance counselor. He graduated from Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University.

“He’s a top-notch winning coach, experienced both on the field and off with motivating kids,” said Reinecke. “We know he will be an amazing addition to our school.”

Appino said: “I am deeply rooted in Rockford, and it’s time for a new challenge. I want to help the kids at Auburn who I have always perceived to be physical, tough, hard-working kids who need some good direction. I’m looking forward to it.”

The district underwent a selection process, interviewing several candidates for the position. Appino said he was approached by District 205 leaders to be one of those candidates.

“I wasn’t looking for the opportunity, but it really appealed to me,” Appino said. “District administrators laid out their vision and new direction for the entire district. It’s impressive, and I want to be part of that. It’s a broad challenge for change I look forward to, and I believe I can help get the ball moving in the right direction at Auburn and for the district as a whole.”

District 205 Interim Superintendent Robert Willis said: “Coach Appino has strong support from the district and Auburn’s leadership teams. Auburn students are hungry for success, for someone to lead them, to believe in them, to expertly coach them and guide them on the field and in life so they have a chance … more than a chance …to succeed in both. We are confident and excited to have found that coach in Dan Appino.”

The school board will be asked to approve the hiring at its next board meeting March 13. Appino plans to solidify his coaching team and begin his new position this summer with a football camp at Auburn High School June 11.

Posted March 1, 2012