Aaron Kelton to Step Down as Williams College's Head Football Coach

Media contact: Dick Quinn, Associate Director of Communications for Sports Information; (413)597-4982; email: [email protected]

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., December 16, 2015—Aaron Kelton announced today that he is resigning as head football coach at Williams at the end of this month to pursue other opportunities.

In his six seasons at Williams, Kelton compiled a record of 23-25 (.479). In his first season the team went undefeated and won both the NESCAC and Little Three titles. He was the first Eph head football coach to debut with a perfect season.

Kelton came to Williams in 2010 from Columbia University, where he had served as the Lions’ defensive coordinator and, before that, as secondary coach. Kelton succeeded Mike Whalen as head coach of the Ephs, who served for six seasons before becoming the head coach of his alma mater, Wesleyan University.

“I appreciate the opportunity to have led the Williams football program,” Kelton said. “I took this job to make a profound difference in the lives of young men and continue the winning traditions of Williams football. While we were successful in the development of our players in many areas, I would have liked to have won more games for the players, their families, coaches, fans, and the Williams community. I take great memories of this experience at Williams with me.”

Lisa Melendy, athletic director since 2011, noted the deep affection Kelton’s players hold for him and said she was grateful for the contributions he’d made at Williams in his time here. “Aaron has been a really positive member of this community, and I appreciate his dedication to Williams and, in particular, to his players over these past six years,” she said. “I respect his decision to pursue other opportunities, and I wish the best for him and his family.”

A national search for the next head football coach will begin immediately and will be conducted by a faculty committee headed by Melendy. Until a new coach is in place, assistant coach Marshall Creighton ’02 will coordinate the football program, and he will continue to serve in his recruiting role for the team.

“Football has been important and successful at Williams for 130 years,” said President Adam Falk. “As Aaron followed in the footsteps of all those who’ve coached before him, I know our next head coach will carry on Williams’ tradition of teamwork, dedication, and excellence.”

END

Founded in 1793, Williams College is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in Massachusetts. The college’s 2,000 students are taught by a faculty noted for the quality of their teaching and research, and the achievement of academic goals includes active participation of students with faculty in their research. Students’ educational experience is enriched by the residential campus environment in Williamstown, Mass., which provides a host of opportunities for interaction with one another and with faculty beyond the classroom. Admission decisions on U.S. applicants are made regardless of a student’s financial ability, and the college provides grants and other assistance to meet the demonstrated needs of all who are admitted.

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Published December 17, 2015