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 Before coming to Valdosta High School in 2003, Coach Darlington led the Apopka (FL) Blue
Darters football program to an overall record of 37-11, including the 2001 Class AAAAAA (6A)
Florida State Championship and three straight playoff appearances.
A believer in character building, Coach Darlington pushes his players to be the best, not only
on the field, but off as well.
Coach Darlington began his coaching career at Lakeland (FL) H.S. as a Linebacker Coach and soon won the position
of Defensive Coordinator under Bill Castle due to his intense drive and will to succeed. His three-year coaching
record at his alma mater was 25-7 and won him his first head football coaching post. After accepting the head football
coaching position at Fort Meade (FL) H.S. in 1994, he created a rigorous program centered on conditioning and discipline.
In 1995, Coach Darlington was offered the position of Linebacker and Running Back coach at one of Florida's premiere H.S.
football programs, Bay High School in Panama City, FL. While at Bay H.S., Coach Darlington helped lead his team to an
11-2 record and a first place ranking in class AAAAA (5A) football. His success on and off the field won him
another head coaching position at Eustis (FL) High School after a short stint as Eustis's Offensive Coordinator. A
regular in regional and state playoff games, Coach Darlington will make an exceptional addition to the Valdosta High School
staff and community.
Coach Darlington is married to Shelly, and has five children, ages one to ten and holds a B.B.A. in Business Management from
Stetson University (1978). Coach D. is active in the community as well, and has been involved in the Fellowship for Christian
Athletes for almost twenty years as a coach and huddle leader.
 Rick Darlington Announced as New Head Football Coach and Athletic Director
Valdosta, GA - February 24, 2003 - Mr. Sam Allen, Superintendent of the Valdosta City School System announced this evening at a press conference that Rick Darlington, right with Touchdown Club President Ivey Plair, of Apopka (FL) High School will be the new head football coach for the Valdosta High School Wildcats. Before coming to Valdosta High School, Coach Darlington led the Apopka (FL) Blue Darters football program to an overall record of 37-11, including the 2001 Class AAAAAA (6A) Florida State Championship and three straight playoff appearances.
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Special thanks to Dennis Herrington for the great photos and video clips!
Bio provided by:
Joe Severns
Image Matters.
(229) 548-2874
(229) 333-8583 FAX
www.imagemattersonline.net
jseverns@imagemattersonline.net
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