Daul to take over Gillett’s football program

He served last 8 years as girls basketball coach
By: 
Morgan Rode
Sports Editor

Gillett Secondary School coach Justin Daul will make the transition from the basketball court to the football field this coming school year.

Daul spent the past eight years as the girls basketball coach at the varsity level, leading the Tigers to a 132-68 record and several deep postseason runs during that time. Daul will now be a head football coach for the first time, after spending the past three years as an assistant with the Tigers.

A number of factors led to the coaching switch for Daul, with family playing the biggest role.

“I recently had my third child and will have two in diapers. Coaching football allows me to be more structured with all aspects of my life as a dad, husband and coach,” said Daul.

The coach added that he hopes to get back into coaching basketball at some point in the future.

During his time as the girls basketball coach, he and the Tigers accomplished several big feats.

“My first year, we were the third-biggest school in D5 but only had 12 girls out in the program,” said Daul. “We flipped that around where two years ago we upped that to 26 kids and running three teams.”

“Gillett has a long tradition in girls basketball but only had one girl represented on the 1,000-point banner. We added three names to that. We have added two regional championship plaques to the halls, and would have been a co-champion of the conference this year had they awarded that. We have always been academically strong as a team.”

The Gillett football team is coming off a winless 2020 season. Despite the tough season, which was complicated further by coronavirus problems, Daul says he and the new staff can look at things “with a blank canvas.”

He added the team is young but has several talented athletes to start building around. Some experienced players also get the chance of a fresh start.

“The main goal is to really up the value and the structure of our boys sports in our district, and the fact that the school has entrusted me with a position to really make a difference is so encouraging,” said Daul. “I know we have a long road ahead, but the goals at the beginning are so much more than winning football games. If we can get kids interested and more vested into our programs, then the rest will take care of itself!”

Daul will have former Gillett football coach Jesse Witcraft back on the coaching staff as the team’s offensive coordinator. Paul Herzog will run the defense. Brad Herzog will help run the youth program.

“Together, I believe we can build this thing up. We will have some great opportunities here in the future,” said Daul.

Daul replaces Nick Losselyong, who served one season as the football coach. Gary Regal will take over the girls basketball varsity team.

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