Stan Dakosty steps into the role as interim head coach carrying credentials that align with the storied history of the Colgate football program.
 
The son of a legendary Pennsylvania high school football coach, Dakosty has been a part of seven of Colgate's 10 Patriot League titles – both as a player and a coach. His passion for coaching was even evident when he was a Colgate student. Serving as a student-coach under legendary Coach Dick Biddle he helped the Raiders make the Patriot League's only appearance in the NCAA FCS championship game back in 2003 before working his way up the coaching ladder to Associate Head Coach beginning in 2017.
 
And now the opportunity presents itself after coaching 14 years at his alma mater.
 
"What separates Colgate Football from everyone else is that you can trace a line through multiple eras of teams and players that have all experienced championship football while building lifelong relationships," Dakosty said. "You come to Colgate to win championships, and the brotherhood built within our locker room stretches beyond your four years on the team.
 
"We have an army of alumni that have each other's back because we all know that Colgate is not for everyone and we like it that way. We don't apologize for being great at football or the style in which we play it. We own that fact. I've lived the culture and I'm now excited to lead that culture. I'm committed to carrying on the tradition and legacy of Colgate Football." 

Experience on Both Sides
Dakosty joined the Raider coaching staff in 2007. He has coached both sides of the ball but made the move to defensive backs in 2010. Dakosty was promoted in 2020 to co-defensive coordinator in addition to his associate head coach role.

	Dakosty's All-Patriot League Defensive Backs Since 2014
2014	Mike Armiento, First Team
2015	Ty McCollum, Second Team
2016	Chris Morgan, First Team
	Tyler Castillo, Second Team
	Joe Figueroa, Second Team
2017	Tyler Castillo, First Team
	Alec Wisniewski, First Team
2018	Tyler Castillo, First Team
	Alec Wisniewski, First Team
2019	Abu Daramy-Swaray, First Team
	Collin Heard, Second Team

 

During the previous decade, the Raiders with Dakosty playing a huge part, won four Patriot League championships and twice advanced to the NCAA playoff quarterfinals.
 
In 2018, Colgate put together 10 wins for just the fourth time in program history, and the Raiders got there by compiling an amazing run of near-perfection over their first nine games.
 
Colgate in streaking to 9-0, allowed just 29 points during that span and tied the NCAA FCS record with five shutouts in one season. Over a seven-game stretch, Colgate allowed 3, 0, 0, 3, 0, 0 and 0 points.
 
The Raiders led the nation in scoring defense at 9.3, total defense at 237.7 and Dakosty's secondary led in efficiency defense with an 88.77 rating, and Colgate was No. 2 nationally in passing yards allowed per game. This despite the fact that the Raiders finished their season against arguably the toughest three-game stretch in program history in Army, James Madison and North Dakota State.
 
"The legacy of the program is more daunting than any opponent," Dakosty said. "I've had the privilege of working under two of the most successful coaches in Patriot League history in Coach Biddle and Coach Hunt. This is something I have been preparing for a long time. My goals and vision for the program have developed over my 14 years at Colgate - we have built a program that will be in the hunt for a Patriot League title each year, and that will go toe-to-toe with anyone on a national level.
  "Our players know that we don't just talk about that, we've executed it and will take it to greater heights moving forward. Our players understand it is now their time to build a championship legacy."
 
All-America Success
Dakosty coached defensive backs Abu Daramy-Swaray '20 and Tyler Castillo '18 to 2018 All-America honors, while Daramy-Swaray and Castillo joined Alec Wisniewski '18 on the All-Patriot League First Team for the second year in a row. Colgate's fourth secondary starter, Ben Hunt IV '19, won the Dick Biddle Coaches Award.
 
Dakosty has had a defensive back make the All-Patriot League Team every year since 2014. Additionally, he has been on the sideline for every FCS Playoff victory the program has had during its time in the Patriot League.
 
Dakosty contributes to his student-athletes' success off the field as well. He works with Colgate's office of Career Services and the football program's Maroon Works career networking initiative to make professional development a main pillar of the program. And he recently helped create a Colgate Football Alumni of Color group — an important example of how Dakosty is in tune with the challenges and needs of his student-athletes, and is driven to pursue thoughtful strategies for effectively supporting them.
 
Prior to coaching, Dakosty played two years of varsity football for the Raiders, helping them to the 2002 Patriot League championship before suffering a career-ending injury. He stayed on the next season as a student-assistant coach as Colgate won 15 straight games and advanced all the way to the national championship game.
Dakosty graduated from Colgate in 2005 as a double-major in which he earned degrees in history and educational studies. His first coaching position was at Amherst, where he earned a master's degree in education in addition to his social studies teacher's certification at the University of Massachusetts in 2006.
 
A Football Family  
"I'm very proud of where I come from," Dakosty said. "I'm a coal region kid from Pennsylvania. I grew up in a football family. My dad is a Hall of Fame coach, and is the best coach I know. My mom has been the rock of our family through all the chaos of Friday nights and Saturday afternoons in the fall. My sister has always been my biggest fan and supporter. She is as strong and as tough and as smart as any person I know, and I'm lucky to have her in my corner.
 
"Football has given so many great things to my family. There is no doubt this opportunity means more to all of us than you can imagine."
 
Dakosty and his wife, Jess, are the proud parents of three children: Stanley, Nora and Tommy. Dakosty coaches his sons' baseball teams, while Jess has been an elementary teacher in the community and for a time, taught after school dance classes. Now serving as the Arts in Education and STEAM Coordinator for the Board of Cooperative Education, she continues to work in student development.
 
Perhaps foreshadowing Dakosty's leadership at Colgate, as a Colgate alum, the Dakosty rehearsal dinner took place at the Delta Upsilon house and the wedding reception was in the Hall of Presidents.
 
"Ask any of my players, and they will tell you the number one thing in my life is my family (pictured right)," Dakosty said. "My wife, Jess, has been with me every step of the way on this journey. She is everything to our family. There is no way we'd be at this point if it wasn't for her love and support.
 
"Our children, Stanley, Nora, and Tommy, love Colgate Football. I grew up around the game and look forward to them experiencing the exciting moments with their dad, while also having a group of big brothers to look up to along the way."
 
Colgate Football Under Dakosty's Leadership
Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Nicki Moore, named Coach Dakosty Interim Head Coach on May 17, 2021. Moore expressed enthusiasm and confidence in Dakosty's leadership stating, "For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Stan and to support his professional development. Stan has been preparing his entire life to lead as a head coach, and he is already demonstrating his readiness for this very opportunity."
 
She went on to express what she has seen in these first days of Dakosty's tenure. "Stan has expressed sincere care and concern for everyone who has a stake in this program's success. He has entered into this role with his whole heart, working diligently to provide his staff, student-athletes, parents, and alumni with clarity about his vision and expectations. In three years, I don't recall seeing Stan have a bad day. He is relentlessly optimistic and brings enthusiasm and energy to every thing he does. Several times in these first ten days, Stan has been a couple of steps ahead of me - a testament to his strategic and organizational capabilities. He is a winner - a winner who understands that a compelling culture, right processes, essential resources, good and talented people, and hard work are essential to winning championships. I am excited to work with him in this new role and to support his team as they seek to build upon the rich history of Colgate Football that Stan has helped create."
 
What they're saying about Stan Dakosty
 
Mark Paske '94 and Anthony Caravetta '97, Maroon Council Co-Presidents
"Stan Dakosty is the type of football coach you want your son to play for. He is excellent at player development as demonstrated by the success of the Colgate teams he has coached over the last two decades. He is also personally invested in the success of the student-athletes he recruits and coaches well beyond the football field. His objective has always been to help his players be successful in life using college football and academic success as a springboard. 

"Stan has led several key initiatives that demonstrate this commitment. Notably, the programmatic engagement with Colgate University Career Services working in coordination with supporting alumni organizations to prepare Colgate football players for the transition to life after Colgate. This is a huge differentiator for Colgate Football, and is a key part of the winning tradition in which Coach Dakosty has played a pivotal role for 14 years. In his role as head coach, we fully expect he will lead the team to success on and off the field, and help prepare the student-athletes for meaningful careers after they graduate. We fully support Coach Dakosty as the Head Coach of Colgate Football."

Debbie Rhyde, Colgate Football Administrative Assistant
"Colgate could not have chosen a better person, educator, and leader to take our football program forward. Stan Dakosty '05 is a natural born leader. He comes from a family of selfless educators who have always taught by example and are his shining light. Stan is a fierce competitor, a person of the highest character and integrity, possesses an outstanding work ethic and has been a backbone to Colgate Football for over 15 years. I have seen it first-hand year-after-year.
 
"Not only is Stan a loyal alum of Colgate University, but he and his family bleed maroon. I have had the true honor of knowing Stan as a hard-working student-athlete, a young coach, the associate head coach, and now as the next person who is ready to lead this program. Stan represents the family culture we are so proud of. It is not surprising because family, tradition, trust, teamwork, and respect are all values at his core.
 
"Stan has lived the Colgate Football brotherhood and helped create the Colgate Football championship culture. He understands the importance and rewards of Colgate's first-class world-renowned education to prepare our student-athletes for life. The best days are ahead with Stan as the leader of this program, I just know it."
 
Jim Gregory '75
"I have gotten to know Stan well over the past five years or so. A former player and graduate of Colgate, Stan understands the importance and responsibility of our student-athletes in being part of the Colgate Football program and the lasting relationships we all have made. Stan sees the larger experience for our student-athletes and is actively involved in developing their skills for their preparation for life after Colgate – acquiring internships and securing jobs after they graduate. The Colgate Football experience over four years goes far beyond what happens just on the football field."
 
TJ Holl '19, Captain of the 2018 Patriot League Championship Team
"Coach Dakosty is one of my favorite coaches that I had throughout my entire playing career. From the first day I stepped foot on campus, he treated me like one of his own sons. He always had my best interest in mind, and is truly a player-first coach. He played at Colgate and knows everything that's required to be successful not only on the football field, but in the classroom. I consider myself blessed to call Coach Dakosty not only a mentor, but also a friend for life. There's not a better man to lead this group, and I can't wait to see what he does with this great program."
 
Sean McCune '04, Captain of 2003 National Runner-Up Team
"After learning of the news that Stan Dakosty has been named Interim Head Coach, immediately I felt comforted knowing a coach who has been vital in building the program to its level today was taking over. As I think about Stan's dominance in recruiting, the development of our student-athletes, and the connection he has to alumni and the establishment of the Maroon Mentor Program, excitement takes over. He radiates positivity and is always learning; there is no doubt he will successfully adapt to the demands and requirements of the Interim Head Coach position and lead with that same positivity and focus.
 
"Any winning formula begins with the essential building blocks of relationships. Coach Dakosty will be successful because of the unparalleled relationships he has with everyone in the program, especially the players. Coach Dakosty's leadership and ability to foster relationships have grown our program to reach an even wider national audience. Upon graduation, he sends every player into the professional world, connected to our Colgate network, and unbelievably prepared to take on the challenges they will confront in their next chapter. Coach Dakosty's emergence as the Interim Head Coach is a testament to the program's strength and ability to maintain its course. The net result is positivity and excitement - that is because Coach Dakosty has been, undeniably, one of the most important elements to our program's success over the course of nearly two decades."
 
Tracee Hunt, Parent of Ben Hunt '19
"It is without reservation or hesitation that I strongly endorse the decision to promote Coach Stan Dakosty to Interim Head Coach. Coach Dakosty exemplifies all that a parent, student, or university would want in a head coach. He has grit coupled with compassion, heart, and football aptitude that are obvious even to the most scrutinizing fan. Coach Dakosty created an amazing sense of family that allowed not only the student-athlete to feel supported in their experience, but that transcended to the whole family. Coach Dakosty is largely the reason why we will forever be grateful for our Colgate Football experience. I say this as a proud mom of a Colgate Football alum."

Abu Daramy-Swaray, Class of 2020
"When it comes to talking about Coach Dakosty, it's really difficult to figure out where to start. Do you talk about the father figure, the coach, the brother, the mentor, or the best friend? I always thought that no one man could be all of these things until I met Coach Dakosty. Coming into Colgate and being who I was with the history that I had behind me, was not an easy task. Having Coach Dakosty to take me under his wing and guide me through was certainly a blessing. Coach Dakosty was the type of person that would put his life on the line to make sure you were okay, and he would do it over and over and over again. I came in to Colgate struggling with my mental health and Coach Dakosty made a priority as much as possible. He made sure he put my mental health and my mental well-being over everything. So before he was a coach, he carried a father's perspective.

"Hearing the news about Coach Dakosty becoming the head coach was a shock, but I know for a fact Colgate football is in the right hands. They are being led by a man who will not only win games, but teach these young men life lessons. He will not only coach them to be better football players, but he will coach them to be better men and someday, be great husbands and fathers. If there's one thing Coach Dakosty is always about, it's family. And there's no doubt in my mind that any person that walks through his doors will be taken in as family and will be cared for as family."
 
Matt Langel, Colgate Men's Basketball Head Coach
"In getting to know Stan over the last decade, it is clear that he has been preparing for the opportunity to lead a group of men and a football program for almost his entire life. Understanding the pride he has for what his dad was able to accomplish as a coaching family, and how with his mom's support, they sustained their successes over time, gives us a glimpse of what I think we can expect from Stan.
 
"As the program works to bring home the next championship and make Colgate Football the very best it can be, Stan has the experienced understanding of how it has been done before. He values the countless people involved and the work that it takes to become a champion. When that is combined with everything that Stan learned first-hand from his time as a Colgate Football student-athlete, it is safe to say that the current and future Colgate Football student-athletes are undoubtedly positioned for incredible experiences and memories that will last a lifetime."

Dakosty's Patriot League Championships
2002, 2003, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018

Recent NCAA Playoff Victories
2015 -- COLGATE 27, New Hampshire 20 (First Round)
     -- COLGATE 44, #5 James Madison 38 (Second Round)

2018 -- COLGATE 23, #6 James Madison (Second Round)

Patriot League Teams in NCAA Playoffs Since 2010
           W-L
COLGATE    3-3
Fordham    2-2
Lehigh     2-4
Holy Cross 0-2
Lafayette  0-1