EASTHAMPTON, MA February 12, 2016 – The Williston Northampton School announced today that its football team will compete next fall in the NEPSAC Division A Erickson League, and will be led by a new head coach.
The Erickson League, one of the premier stages for New England preparatory school football, consists of Avon Old Farms, Hotchkiss, Taft, Trinity Pawling, Brunswick, Salisbury, and Kent. Williston had played in the Division B Colonial League from 2004 until the league disbanded in 2014. “Choosing to join the Erickson League was seizing an opportunity to provide stability for our schedule while aligning ourselves with schools that share our commitment to both football and independent school education,” explained Williston Director of Athletics Mark Conroy.
In addition, Mr. Conroy, the school’s head football coach for the past 16 years, will be stepping down from that position next fall. Under his leadership, the Wildcats posted a 84-47 record, and earned three prep bowl appearances, most recently in 2014, when the team lost 35-34 to Lawrence Academy. Mr. Conroy will continue in his role as the school’s Director of Athletics.
Taking the helm as head football coach is Tom Beaton, who for the past six seasons served as Assistant Coach at Tufts University, working most recently as the recruiting coordinator and coaching running backs and slot receivers. A 2010 graduate of Bates College, Mr. Beaton was a captain and an All-NESCAC selection in both football and baseball. He received his Master’s Degree in Education at Tufts. Originally from West Newbury, Massachusetts, he and his wife Robyn will reside on campus. “I am beyond excited to be offered the position of head football coach at the Williston Northampton School,” Mr. Beaton said. “To be a part of the Williston community and to be associated with such a first-class, prestigious school is something I have always dreamed of.”
“Williston was very fortunate to attract a deep and talented pool of applicants for the job of head football coach,” Mr. Conroy said. “We are absolutely thrilled that Tom Beaton has accepted our offer. He is widely regarded in New England college coaching circles as a tremendous young coach. We are confident that he will be an outstanding role model for our athletes, while providing exceptional leadership for our program.”
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The Williston Northampton School is a coeducational boarding and day school for students in seventh grade through post-graduate year. The 125-acre campus offers a challenging learning environment with a rich academic curriculum, leadership opportunities, and a full range of extra-curricular activities in the arts and athletics. Located in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, the school is within a 15-mile radius of Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Hampshire Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts. Williston’s community of over 500 students provides a diverse and culturally rich educational experience for students.