Dan Mehleisen, current defensive coordinator for the varsity football team, has been named the new head coach of the program.

Mehleisen succeeds David Dykeman, CA’s associate head of school. Dykeman, who joined Cheshire Academy in July 2012, will be leaving Cheshire Academy after nearly a decade of service to join the recently reformed XFL football league in February as director of football special projects.

Mehleisen boasts an impressive resume, garnering extensive experience as a high school and college football coach at schools including Avon Old Farms School, Trinity College (two-time NESCAC champions), the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and Susquehanna University. A student-athlete himself, Dan played football and baseball during his four years at Union College, ultimately serving as captain of those teams. Dan is an award recipient for his time as a player in Union’s programs, as well as for his work at Susquehanna.

Beyond his new role on the field, Mehleisen will continue in his position as senior associate director of admission. Since joining CA, Mehleisen has been immersed in campus life, currently as co-head of Markin Hall, and previously as a faculty member teaching economics and history.

Upon his appointment, Dan commented, “I am certainly looking forward to working more with our players and coaches as we continue to build one of the most competitive programs in New England. We made strides last year and have a strong nucleus of players returning. There is a lot of excitement around Cheshire Academy football right now.”

Mehleisen recognized the work Dykeman put forth during his time at CA. “David Dykeman epitomizes what it means to be a head coach. He has a tremendous amount of respect for everyone on his staff and cultivates an environment of collaborative thinking that has been essential to his success over the last decade. I have learned so much over these last four years and feel that I am fully prepared to run a football program at any level. Much of that can be attributed to my experience as an assistant coach for David Dykeman.”

Under Dykeman’s leadership, more than 200 student-athletes have gone on to play college ball, more than 40 competed in Division I and Ivy League programs, six went on to the NFL, and several have gone on to play professionally in other leagues. Not only has Dykeman produced stellar athletes, but he has been credited by many for their maturity, values, and success both on and off the field.

“Half of my professional career has been here at Cheshire Academy. For me and my family, this has been an unforgettable, transformational experience,” said Dykeman.