Wayne High School Athletic Director Dave Wragge announced that Hayden DeLano will take over as head football coach for Russ Plager, who has resigned his coaching position.
DeLano has been hired to teach junior high Social Studies and serve as head football coach beginning in the fall of 2022. He takes over for Plager, who served as head football coach for the past five seasons, achieving a record of 30-22 that included four playoffs berths and the school’s first-ever home playoff win and an appearance in the Class C-1 semifinals in 2019.
“Coach Plager’s program produced several all–district performers, and were known for representing the school and Blue Devils’ athletic program with the utmost class and respect,” Wragge said. “We are thankful for the work Coach Plager did with the football team over the past five seasons. The football team has developed into a strong, top ten, Class C-1 program under his leadership. We are excited to bring Coach Delano and his successful experience to Wayne to build on the strong foundation that has been established.”
DeLano has spent the past five seasons at Cross County High School as their head football coach and physical education teacher. Last season, DeLano led his team to the NSAA Class D-1 Championship game, where the Cougars fell short of a victory to Howells-Dodge, finishing the season as state runner-up.
Mr. Plager will continue his duties as elementary principal at Wayne Community Schools.
