Wayland U
nion High School has selected Michael Doupe` as new head football coach.
Justin Wilson, athletic director, said he had 29 applicants for the position, which was advertised Nov. 25 after the resignation of Jerry Diorio.
“We narrowed down the candidates to six with first-round interviews,” said Wilson “and then held second-round interviews with four candidates.”
A selection committee was comprised of a parent of a current varsity football player, a board member, the athletic administrative assistant, booster club president, high school principal, varsity coach and athletic director.
“We feel confident that Mike’s loyalty to the district as a teacher, coach, and advisor made this committee comfortable in their decision,” said Wilson.
Doupe` is an English teacher at Wayland Union High School. He is also head varsity baseball coach, National Honor Society advisor, and Wahoo advisor. He led the Wildcats’ baseball squad to a Class B district championship last spring.
Doupe has past experience as an assistant football coach at Wayland and for the past two years served as an assistant coach at Kalamazoo College, working with wide receivers and running backs.
“Mike has already established relationships with our student athletes and is eager to foster new relationships in hopes of increasing football participation,” said Wilson.
Besides slipping to an 0-9 record last season and 7-31 over the past four years, Wayland has seen a decline in numbers participating, having as few as 20 players dress late in the season last fall and the lack of a freshman program.
“I am excited to have this opportunity and look forward to getting to work,” said Doupe.
Doupe’ joined the Kalamazoo College football staff in the summer of 2013 as an assistant coach. As assistant at Wayland, he was responsible for coordinating offense as well as coaching wide receivers and defensive backs. Before coming to Wayland, he served as an assistant football coach at Pinckney High School for three seasons.
Doupe’ graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in English education. He completed his master’s degree from MSU in curriculum and teaching in 2010.
Doupe’ is married to his wife Christine, and resides in Allegan. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, kayaking and camping.
PHOTO: Mike Doupe`