DIXFIELD — The more things change the more they remain the same and that’s precisely the approach David Crutchfield would adopt if and when he is named the new football coach at Dirigo High School.

Crutchfield’s hiring is favored by athletic director Charlie Swan and Superintendent Tom Ward, who will recommend it at the RSU10 school board meeting for official conformation.

This would be Crutchfield’s initial venture as a varsity head coach. He served as an assistant coach under Doug Gilbert the past five years.

The familiarity with the program should help make for a smooth transition, Crutchfield said.

“Dirigo kids have a great winning attitude,”Crutchfield said. “They’ve taught me many virtues and aspects of life. They’ve helped me develop my coaching philosophies — ‘Teach boys how to become men. Competition is in everyday life. There’s a winner and a loser. Prepare yourself to win. If you lose this time get back up and prepare to win next time.’”

Crutchfield replaces Doug Gilbert who resigned last November following five years at the helm. In Gilbert’s rein, Dirigo won 35 of 49 games and the program developed a winning tradition. In 2009, the team was 12-0, including the Class C state championship game. With Crutchfield’s son, Nic, a Fitzpatrick Trophy finalist, playing quarterback, the Cougars triumphed 37-20 over Foxcroft Academy.

It was the first football crown for the Cougars since they shared a Class D title with Boothbay in 1975.

“I’m very glad Dave got the job,”Gilbert said. “The kids were hoping he would get the job, especially the upper classmen. They said that they are used to the system, it has proven to work and they didn’t want to change things.”

Crutchfield started coaching Area Youth Football when Nic was in third grade. He credits coaching with Carlo Puiia, Mark Thompson, Howie Ruff, Jeff Garneau and others instilled values. They taught the game to many youths in the River Valley area.

He progressed through the coaching ranks as Dirigo Middle School head coach and freshmen coach. He served as defensive coordinator the last four years at the high school, which has consistently ranked among the toughest units in the Campbell Conference. 

Crutchfield has been calling the JV offense for the past few years, so the added responsibilities will be taken in stride.

“Coaching with Doug Gilbert has taught me a lot,”Crutchfield said. “I’ll never know the rules like that man. He’s set us up with a great foundation. I’m really not an X’s and O’s guy, and I’ll be getting my feet wet with the offense, so I’ll stick to the basics that Doug has laid out.”

Crutchfield’s history with running the offensive practices and developing game plans will be an asset.

“After running things for a while you become real knowledgeable with the entire package,”Gilbert said. “I’ve saved everything over the last five years, practice schedules, films, scouting he’s welcome to it all.”

Crutchfield, played tight end/linebacker at Dirigo under Peter Franchetti, Tim Rice, and Bruce Nicholas, graduating in 1985. He realizes the importance of being surrounded by quality people, so Pat Mooney and Lou Brann will return as assistant coaches.

Mooney is now working in the high school, so there is a presence for the kids and will be a big plus this coming season. A third assistant will join the staff.

“The kids are excited and hopefully doing more than just talking,”Crutchfield said, who is a maintenance supervisor at Newpage in Rumford. “We’ll have a mini-camp before school ends and participate in 7 on 7 and a big mans camp in Madison this summer.”