Danylik is new Falcon boys' hoop coach

RUMFORD -- Tom Danylik has learned that it requires a concretive effort by everyone involved in order for a team to achieve success and that's the message he'll instill as the new boys' basketball coach at Mountain Valley High School.

It will be the first varsity position for Danylik, who is well prepared for the challenge. He was approved by the RSU 10 school board prior to starting preseason practices on Nov. 19.

Danylik coached the JV girls' hoop team last year and the experience helped reinforce what he believes will benefit the student-athletes and himself.

"I learned that the doing the little things right on a consistent basis can you take you from being a good team to a great team."

A major asset that Danylik brings to the program is being the first in-house coach since Ryan Casey guided the Falcons a decade ago. This will hopefully improve the communication and stability between the players and coach when issues crop up.

Danylik replaces former coach Rick White who resigned earlier this fall and has since accepted a similar position at Fryeburg Academy.

Danylik graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2007 with BS in Secondary Education English degree; obtained special education certification in 2010. He student taught at Mountain Valley in the fall of 2007 and was hired as special education teacher in the fall of 2008.

The new mentor played for Coach Mike Nelson at Thornton Academy and credits his coach for showing the right the way to play the game; something that Danylik will never forget. "He made us believe that you win with defensive first."

"He also instilled in us that for a team to be successful every player must do their job night in and night out and each player must be responsible for their actions on and off the court. The program is a family and it deserves respect."

The type of system to be run by the Falcons will depend on the player personnel and situation, so adjustments will be made accordingly. He developed philosophies from having coached the girls' team. However, executing the basics is extremely important.

"I will take that with me," said Danylik. "But it all comes down to can you defend hard on every possession and rebound the ball on the defensive and offensive glass. If you can do those two things, then you have a great chance of being successful at any level."

The staff includes JV coach Ken Baker, who has been coaching with Danylik the past two years in the girls' program. Former Falcon Corey Provencher will be assisting this year as well. They both bring great experience and knowledge about the game.

Danylik, who will still holds the MV assistant athletic director position, thanked coach Tammy Gallant for letting Baker and him be on her staff last year and wishes the girls' program nothing but the best.

"I also want to thank my wife Cassie," he said. "She supported me when making the decision to apply for this position. She exemplifies the saying that behind every good man there is a great woman."