Waterford — Zeth Nolda was hired as the head football coach at Waterford High School, Waterford Athletic Director Chris Landy announced on Monday.

Zolda replaces John Strecker, who stepped down after six seasons on Jan. 20. Nolda has been an assistant coach for the Lancers for the past five seasons in addition to his two years of football assistant coaching experience in Florida at Ridgeview High School.

"I'm eager to meet with the team and get the off-season program started with all of the student-athletes that are not participating in spring sports,'' Zolda sais in a press release. "We have a lot of work ahead of us, and as a staff we are ready to take on this next challenge.''

"I am positive that Zeth Nolda will have a lasting impact on this program, specifically the student-athletes that play for him," Landry said. "The athletes will always know deep down that Coach Nolda cares about his players both on and off the field."

Nolda has also served as an assistant wrestling coach at both Waterford and New London.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity and about working with a great bunch of student-athletes in the upcoming season," Nolda added. "It's a great chance to give back to the community and school through the program that has had a huge impact on my life.

"I would like to thank Chris Landry and the committee for giving me this opportunity."