By Jason Patch
Sports Correspondent

After serving as a head coach and football coordinator for seven seasons with the Hooksett Hurricanes, Dave Tremblay has decided to embark on a new challenge.

Recently, the longtime volunteer and Hooksett resident agreed to become the first head coach for the newly formed Pembroke Jr. Spartans Middle School program. Tremblay helped raise the local Hurricanes from Division 2 doormat to perennial Division 1 contender in Pop Warner play.

Now, along with defensive guru and former Hooksett assistant Mike Tatro, Tremblay will try to build a program from scratch in Pembroke while boosting the numbers for head coach Rick Doell's high school varsity Spartans.

"Our short-term goals are to just gain interest and establish a feeder program for the high school," said Tremblay. "We need to create some numbers at the varsity level, and the new middle school program is a great way to start making that happen."

The squad is open to sixth through eighth-grade students who reside in the Allenstown, Chichester, Epsom, Hooksett and Pembroke communities.

Tremblay guided his Hurricanes to the playoffs in six straight seasons, including appearances in the New Hampshire Pop Warner Football Conference state championship games the last two years.

That was quite a turnaround for a team that went 0-8 in its first year together.

"I stress discipline, respect, teamwork and the small things that don't seem to be as important to other coaches," said Tremblay. "I really believe that doing the small things makes the difference between a good team and a great team."

When the long-anticipated approval was granted from the Pembroke Friends of Football for the new middle school program, the search was on for a dedicated and experienced coach. Tremblay impressed Doell with his ideas, enthusiasm and coaching philosophy in general.

"We met a few weeks ago and I found our philosophies to be very similar," said Doell. "Dave has been very successful with the Hurricanes and we are happy to have him on board with us. It certainly is a big plus for Dave and Mike knowing the kids that are coming in as well."

Doell turned in a 1-9 season in his rookie campaign a year ago and immediately saw three areas where PA football could improve.

"We needed a middle school program, the kids to hit the weight room and a bigger coaching staff," said Doell. "So far this off-season we have addressed all three of those needs, and the middle school program itself is just a huge asset."

The Jr. Spartans will participate in the Snow Belt League, which features teams supplying players to Goffstown, John Stark, Kearsage and Merrimack Valley, all common Division 3 opponents at the high school varsity level.

Tremblay will also be working in conjunction with the Hooksett Hurricanes, as both programs will strive to get more kids involved in the sport. It was Tremblay who pushed for Hooksett residents to be a part of the Pembroke program, which ensures all children - regardless of weight restrictions - will have a place to play.

"The only reason I do this is to help out the kids," said Tremblay. "I remember all of my Pop Warner coaches to this day, and I am hoping that some of my players remember me when they're 40 years old. It's a great feeling to watch kids accomplish their goals and to see them come together as a team."

For details on the new program, visit pembrokejrspartans.com or call Tremblay at 493- 7385.