One year removed from Coach Dinardo’s 300th career win, the Sals are marching once again, just under new leadership. Coach Gene Delle Donne enters his third year as a coach at Sallies, his first two years as an assistant under former Head Coach Bill Dinardo who won four state titles and over 300 wins in the state of Delaware. 

Coach Delle Donne said he had the privilege of playing under Coach Dinardo and adopted many of his coaching methods. “[Coach Dinardo] was very consistent in his coaching and how he taught,” said Delle Donne. “I use the term ‘consistency equals success’, and I felt that was one thing Coach Dinardo did very, very well.” 

When asked about the turnover in coaching, Delle Donne said assembling a staff of around 22 coaches was the first step. Delle Donne stated that he sees this as a cultivation of a culture, which includes “discipline, accountability, and leadership,” all things that Delle Donne focuses heavily on inside of these walls.

Coach Delle Donne After committing to Duke University for a year on a football scholarship, he transferred to Middle Tennessee State. With that Division I experience, he was able to meet and learn from a lot of talented coaches, which certainly seems to have translated into his own success.

Sometimes the locker room can make or break a team’s season, and Coach Delle Donne says he’s got a “pretty darn good one.” He believes that this group of seniors is special. 

Many of the seniors playing for Sallies have been leaders of the program for many seasons. Coach Della Donne gave these seniors high praise, saying, “I’m extremely lucky and privileged to coach such an experienced group of disciplined young men who work hard every day.”

The vets weren’t the only group garnering praise. Coach Delle Donne pointed out that many younger players have stepped up into leadership roles. 

Whether it’s off the field or on the field, he has certainly had success with this team. When asked about the run game’s dominance, he credited the line, saying, “they like to move fast,” and he also mentioned their four great running backs on the roster contribute largely to their success. And as many would be quick to point out, a great run game often equates to more opportunities in the pass game.

Defensively, Coach Delle Donne gave massive praise to Coach Paul Worrilow, whose defense gave up all of 11 yards to Bonner at halftime. 

In addition to that stifling defense, they also scored on a punt return. Thus far, the Sals have dominated all three phases of the game.

When asked who he thinks his team is most like in the college and pro game, Coach Delle Donne went with two hometown favorites. “We’re like Notre Dame in college because the jerseys and we are a lot like them. But the way we practice and carry ourselves this year is like the Eagles because they have a good run game. We’ve been running the ball really well and have a stingy D.”

Overall, it looks like the Sals have a bright future ahead of them with Coach Delle Donne. Could this be the year the Sals reassert themselves as the best team in Delaware?