After 30-plus years coaching football, eight of those as Head Coach for ARC, Don Dillon is stepping aside. He's decided to "redirect" his energy instructing PE classes such as weight training, bowling and body fitness.

Former Defensive Coordinator Jerry Haflich is taking over as Head Coach starting with the 2007 season. He comes with 21 years of coaching experience to guide him.

Coach Dillon says he knew since his junior year in high school he wanted to coach and he earned his degree with that and teaching in mind.

"It's a great way to make a living and affect a lot of people in the process," says Coach Dillon. "I have no regrets."

He won't be leaving empty handed, in fact his hands are full. Coach Dillon successfully led his team to win two conference championships, the latest in 2005. The Beavers finished undefeated and took home the Mid-Empire Conference Championship title. Former offensive lineman Chris Vicory had the chance to play in the championship game and said it felt great to bring a win to a school whose "culture" had become loosing.

"It was a neat experience to change that [perception]," Vicory said.

Coach Dillon also was named National Coach of the Year 2005.

"My biggest honor is being recognized by my peers," says Coach Dillon. "I've made a lot of dear

friends over the years."

Vicory would agree, saying Coach Dillon was easy to get along with and that they had an "interesting" relationship. Vicory says Coach Dillon would always joke he was smarter than his coach.            

He started his career in 1973 as the JV Coach for Sac HS working his way to the top. Coach Dillon says he considers it an "awarding" process that prepared him for each step in his coaching career. He also had the opportunity to coach for the University of Hawaii and got a "thrill" going head to head with schools such as Notre Dame and Michigan State University.

"Coaching college athletics, if done the way it's supposed to be done, totally consumes you. [As coaches,] we know the day will come when we just feel like the tank is dry. To do this job you've got to enjoy it and have a lot of passion. Demands go beyond games," says Coach Dillon.

New Head Coach Haflich started coaching at California State University, Sacramento, in 1983 as a defensive assistant. After a couple of years, he became the linebacker coach and continued there until 1988. Before joining Coach Dillon's team in 2000, Coach Haflich spent many years with various high schools in the Greater Sacramento and Bay Areas.

Coach Haflich says the biggest lesson he learned from his predecessor would be the "emphasis" he put into taking care of his staff and players "above all other needs as head coach."

"Outside of our families, those people matter most," Coach Haflich continues.

Although Coach Haflich would not reveal a secret weapon or new strategy for the following football season, he does want to continue a "winning tradition" and mark his "own stamp on the ARC football program." He says he would like to see Coach Dillon, past coaches and everyone who walks the ARC campus proud of their football team.

"The Don Dillon Era was a good one," says Coach Haflich. "I have big shoes to fill."

Coach Dillon says he loves being on a college campus. He uses the same enthusiasm in his PE classes as he did in football. For Coach Dillon it's just as exciting when a student lowers their time in his walk jog class.   He says he enjoys the interaction and the relationships he comes away with.

"I'm thrilled with the number of ex players who went into teaching and coaching," he said.

Coach Dillon says he's "really happy" and is looking forward to the simple life. He wants to be a football fan now so he can watch, relax and enjoy the games with his wife. They recently bought a fifth wheel and Coach Dillon says they plan on traveling and attending his friends' games, whom are also coaches.

"[Dillon] was good for the sport. He had passion for his team and the desire to win," commented Coach Haflich.