Koehl is new football coach at Audubon

Dominic Koehl knows all about the close-knit, small-town feel of Audubon sports.

A 2001 Audubon High graduate who excelled at football and wrestling for the Green Wave, Koehl is returning to his alma mater to serve as head football coach.

"I pinch myself every day," Koehl said Friday. "To be a student there and a player there and to be able to go back as a football coach, it's a wonderful opportunity for me. I'm truly appreciative of the people who gave me this opportunity."

Koehl replaces Jon Caputo, who resigned after two seasons to become the head coach at Buena.

Koehl is the sixth new football coach in the 12-school Colonial Conference. The others are Clint Wiley at Sterling, Dave Dale at Haddon Township, Jack McConnell at Collingswood, Ralph Schiavo at Haddon Heights, and Steve Duncan at Gateway.

Koehl is a special-education teacher at Triton. He was Audubon's defensive coordinator the last two seasons and also has served as an assistant at Gateway and Maple Shade.

Audubon went 5-5 in 2010, qualifying for the South Jersey Group 1 playoffs and losing a first-round game at Pennsville, 27-25.

Leading the Green Wave were senior standouts such as running back Brian Flacco and wide receiver/kick returner Chris Borgesi.

"When you lose a Brian Flacco and a Chris Borgesi, you somewhat have to start over," Koehl said. "But we've got a very solid group of core kids coming back, especially in the junior class.

"I know these kids will work hard and play physical football. They won't shy away from contact. They're going to give it everything they've got."

Koehl said he still was building his coaching staff.