NEWARK VALLEY'S D'ARCY INDUCTED INTO UPSTATE NEW YORK CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME (2020-02-20)
BY TIM TAYLOR
TIOGA COUNTY SPORTS REPORT
NEWARK VALLEY — Eric D'Arcy has dedicated the majority of his adult life to teaching and coaching Newark Valley youth in an effort to better prepare them for life after high school.
Recently, his efforts were recognized and rewarded by the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, which has inducted him into its Class of 2020.
"It is really a very humbling experience, I have never seen myself in that type of light so it is kind of surreal," D'Arcy said. "Making it into the Hall of Fame is a result of many things, including a wonderful and supportive family; they have always been there for me and have always been very supportive. My wife, Tracey, and I have six children between us and they are a big reason for any success I may have.
"I also have had a great set of assistant coaches over the years (Rob Zetzsche, Jim Signorelli, Bill Kitchen, Joe Lakin and Mike Daly). No head coach can come close to being truly successful without those guys who do a lot of the work in the background."
D'Arcy stepped down as the head wrestling coach following the 2016-17 season, but continues to work with the program in a volunteer capacity.
In addition to his family and fellow coaches, D'Arcy also praises the support he has received from others within the school district.
"I have had athletes and parents who bought into what we as a staff were asking of them; they were willing to look at our vision and help us carry it out," he said. "I have loved the kids we have had here at Newark Valley, our teams were home grown kids who grew up in our community and loved wrestling for Newark Valley. I can never give enough credit to these young men. I have also been lucky to have great administrative support over the years, from Jeff Ward to Scott Wandell, I have had wonderful ADs to work with, who have looked out for the best interest of our student athletes.
"Finally, I would like to thank three people who had a huge influence on me as a person and a coach outside of my wife and kids. My high school wrestling coach, Paul Abdo, and my parents, Eamonn and Betty D’Arcy; they all instilled in me the value of hard work, dedication, and the belief in doing the right thing. These three people are my heroes and who I have always aspired to be most like."
Under D'Arcy's watch, the Cardinals won six IAC tournament championships and nine IAC Division I dual meet titles. Six of those divisional crowns came during his final six seasons when his teams posted 36 consecutive divisional victories. During that same span, NV posted a 91-20 overall record.
D'Arcy also coached the Valley to a Section IV Division I tournament and dual meet championship. He has been named the IAC Coach of the Year three times and Section IV Class C Coach of the Year on two occasions.
In 1993, he formed the Larry Goodrich Memorial Wrestling Tournament. D'Arcy is also involved with the Friends of Section IV Wrestling.
Aside from the mats, he has coached cross country for 20 years, leading his charges to two state championships and 10 sectional titles. He also coaches track & field.
