Rich Duwelius has been promoted to head coach of the Ledyard High School girls' volleyball team, athletic director Jim Buonocore announced Friday.

Duwelius replaces Shirley Karkow, who has moved out of the area. The Colonels, in their third season under Karkow this past fall, won the CIAC Class M title, the program's first state championship.

Duwelius has been an assitant coach at the Coast Guard Academy and played professionally. He was also a member of the 1984 United States Olympic gold medal-winning team.

"We are very excited to have Rich Duwelius lead our girls' volleyball program," Buonocore said. "His extensive background in the sport as a player and a coach will be extremely beneficial for our girls. I am confident Rich will do a tremendous job of continuing the proud volleyball tradition that coach Shirley Karkow built."

- Day Staff Reports