~Meet Our Head Football & Cheer Coaches ~
We are here to provide you and your family with the best youth Football & Cheer experience possible! We are proud to bring you a group of highly accomplished coaches with energetic and dedicated staff. Read the bios below to learn more about them.
SENIORS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
Eric Akstin
I am a lifelong football fan with a playing background that includes youth, high school, and collegiate experience as a tight end at Trinity College. For the past 10 years, I have dedicated myself to coaching the Roadrunners, where we strive for excellence through a focus on fundamental skills, disciplined execution, and a strong emphasis on teamwork. My coaching philosophy centers around mastering a few key concepts exceptionally well rather than attempting to do everything. We prioritize player development, ensuring each athlete understands their role and responsibilities within the system. Conditioning plays a crucial role in our program, allowing players to perform at their peak consistently. I am driven by the desire to positively impact young athletes, helping them grow not only as football players but also as individuals. A significant highlight of our program thus far has been winning a championship title three years ago, along with another appearance in the championship game. I am eager to continue this pursuit of excellence and contribute to the continued growth and success of the Roadrunners.
JUNIORS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
Jarrett Hunter
For the past seven years, Coach Hunter has served as the head coach for the Ellington Roadrunners and as an assistant coach for the Ellington High School football programs. He is a dedicated, hardworking, and passionate coach who has positively impacted the community, players, and their families throughout his tenure. Coach Hunter excels in teaching the fundamentals of the game, emphasizing proper safety procedures and equipment usage. He is adept at instructing players on essential techniques, including blocking, tackling, passing, and receiving. Committed to each player's success, Coach Hunter encourages them to strive for excellence both on and off the field. His mission is to develop not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals, sharing his experience and love for the game while leading by example. He aims to instill pride and a winning mindset in every player, fostering sportsmanship, accountability, and a deep appreciation for teamwork.
MICROS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
BJ James
Coach BJ James, a native of New Orleans, LA, graduated from Sharon High School (’01) in Sharon, MA where he played baseball, basketball and football. He is a graduate of UCONN (’05) and began his coaching journey shortly thereafter. He has coached baseball, basketball and flag football. Currently he is a coach on the CT Elite travel flag team, a team that finished 2nd nationally in rankings in 2023 and is perennially a top 20 squad in the country. He resides in Broad Brook and is a coach on the 7th grade boys travel basketball team. BJ enjoys golf, reading, music and good food.
PEE WEE HEAD COACH
William Malaro
Hello. My name is William Malaro and I will be the head coach for the Ellington Roadrunners D squad for the 2025 season. I was born in Miami, Florida but spent most of my school years in Connecticut. I graduated from Glastonbury high school in 2005 and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine corps. After my time was up, I eventually got into the painting industry. I'm currently part owner of a commercial and residential painting company. At this age I coach with the philosophy that "Learning is winning." Many of our players will be brand new to the sport and others have no more than a year or two at best. My goal is to teach these young kids the basic knowledge, skills, and sportsmanship so they can advance through the higher divisions with the same love of the sport that I have. I enjoy the opportunity to coach these young kids and be a positive role model in their lives. As an assistant coach last year, I got to see the transformation between the first day of practice and the last game of the season and it was a truly amazing experience. As head coach this year, I will be implementing some new drills and games that can hold the kids attention while also teaching them the basic skills necessary to succeed. I thank you for your support and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.
MICRO HEAD CHEER COACH
Noelia Bermudez
I’m Noelia, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Roadrunners as the C Team cheer coach. As a parent and someone who’s always loved the energy of youth sports, I’m passionate about helping young athletes discover their strengths, build confidence, and have fun along the way. In my personal life, I’m all about staying active. I love to work out and model a healthy, energetic lifestyle for my family and the kids I coach. I’ve spent time volunteering with children in various settings from school events to community programs which has taught me how to create a safe, supportive environment where each athlete feels seen and encouraged. My coaching approach focuses on teaching solid fundamentals. I believe that when kids enjoy what they’re doing, they learn faster and develop a genuine love for the sport. Beyond technique, I care deeply about teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. I aim to foster a positive team culture where every athlete learns to support their teammates. I’m also a big believer in family involvement: I look forward to keeping parents in the loop, inviting their feedback, and building a cheer community that extends beyond the gym. I can’t wait to meet the athletes, learn their personalities, and work together to make this season memorable. Let’s bring the spirit, the hard work, and plenty of smile!
PEE WEE HEAD CHEER COACH
Amanda Hart
Hi, my name is Amanda Hart. I'm a proud mother of three adorable children and a dedicated Center School mom. As a resident of Ellington, I truly love our great town and the strong sense of community we share. I’m thrilled to step into the role of head cheer coach for the Roadrunners! I bring a passion for cheer and a positive, high-energy approach to everything we do. I'm deeply committed to developing confident, disciplined athletes who shine both on and off the mat. This season is especially meaningful for me as my six-year-old daughter is beginning her own cheer journey making this a truly special experience for both of us. We’re excited to grow, learn, and cheer together as part of this incredible program! Let’s make it a fantastic season Go Roadrunners!