Welcome to Episode 121 of The Darlington Podcast!
In this episode, Head of School Brent Bell talks with Head Football Coach Wayne Groves and seniors Jack Chandler, Connor Ellison and Mackay Rush about the Darlington Tigers' upcoming football season. They discuss Coach Groves' coaching philosophy, how the team has been preparing, their goals for the season and what they're most excited about. Click here to view this season's schedule. If you can't make it to a game, watch the Tigers play live here each week. This episode was recorded on July 20.
Brent Bell was named Darlington's 11th head of school in 2014. With two decades of experience in education, he holds a B.A. in History from the University of Richmond and an M.S. in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to his work here, Bell was head of Upper School at Randolph School in Huntsville, Ala. He also served previously as assistant headmaster and dean of academic affairs at Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Va., where he held the E. Craig Wall Family Mastership.
Wayne Groves was named Darlington's head football coach in 2023. He previously served as the defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coordinator at Rome High School. Three times during his tenure, Groves led the No. 1 defense in the state. Prior to his work at Rome, he was the defensive coordinator at Valdosta High, where his 2014 defensive unit was ranked No. 1 in AAAAAA in points allowed. He holds a B.S. in Health and Physical Education, Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of West Georgia.
The thrill of competition. The rush of a championship. Our athletic program offers you everything you'd expect from a private school. However, the Darlington athletic program is so much more. CLICK HERE to learn more about athletics at Darlington or schedule a private tour and see our facilities for yourself.
The Darlington Podcast is a collaboration between the communication and advancement teams, and is hosted by various members of the school community. Episodes are released each Thursday morning and available on most podcast platforms (search for The Darlington Podcast in your podcast player). Once new episodes are posted, you'll also be able to find them at www.darlingtonschool.org/podcast. Please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so that you'll get the latest episode each week!
The Darlington Podcast intro music was written and performed by Elliot Luitwieler ('22) and Kathryn Davidson ('22). Jaclyn Haynes, Upper School science teacher, lends her voice, and editing and production is handled by Maddie Chastain, content manager.
If you have ideas for future episodes or have any questions about The Darlington Podcast, please email communications@darlingtonschool.org.
