Holyoke names Dusty Sprague, former CU Buff, its new football coach

Dusty Sprague is one of the best players in Holyoke football history. Now, he’ll be their head coach.

The Dragons hired Sprague, who graduated from the school in 2003, to lead their football program. He replaces John Zilla, who was 21-26 in five seasons.

Holyoke athletic director Sandra Rahe confirmed the hire to CHSAANow on Thursday.

A star athlete in high school — Sprague won the prestigious Fred Steinmark Award as a senior, was all-state in football, won the 110-meter hurdles and long jump at state track, and was all-state honorable mention in basketball — he went on to play football at the University of Colorado. There, he also starred, and finished with the ninth-most receiving yards and receptions in school history.

After graduating, he joined the staff at CSU-Pueblo as wide receivers coach for two seasons.

A Class 1A program, Holyoke went 4-5 last season.

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