~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
Justin Thomacos
Off the field- I am a father of three young boys- 2 of which are Ellington Roadrunners. On the field, I am an experienced and passionate football coach committed to transforming young athletes into not only skilled players but also responsible young men and women. With a coaching philosophy centered around hard work, integrity, and accountability, I believe that dedication on and off the field is the key to success. “You have to put the work in to see results.” This mantra encapsulates my approach to coaching. I emphasize the importance of practice, teaching my players to “practice how you play” and adhere to the principles of “practice hard, play harder.” I believe that while football can be a demanding sport, the fun and camaraderie developed through teamwork is what makes it truly rewarding. With a foundation built on fun, honor, integrity, discipline, and accountability, I promise to instill a strong sense of responsibility in all of my players, both on and off the field. I will often remind them that “football is not for the weak,” and will take pride in pushing all of my players to reach their fullest potential. My ultimate vision is to help each athlete grow, not just in their football skills, but in their character and maturity. I am dedicated to guiding young boys and girls through the challenges of adolescence, ultimately assisting them in becoming well-rounded men and women prepared for the future. Through a combination of rigorous training, encouragement, and mentorship, I will aim to create a lasting impact on every member of my team, ensuring they leave the program not just as better football players, but as upstanding individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges.
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.
MICROS HEAD CHEER COACH
Shannon Smith
Shannon is back for her second year and excited to be the head coach of the Micros Team cheerleaders for the Roadrunners! With a passion for cheerleading and a dedication to fostering growth, Shannon is excited to lead our micro cheer program. Shannon believes in the power of teamwork and individual development, and she is committed to helping each cheerleader reach their full potential. Her enthusiasm and experience will inspire our Micros Team cheerleaders to thrive both on and off the mat.
PEE WEE HEAD CHEER COACH
Gina Rizzuto
This is Coach Gina’s 2nd year with being a coach for the Roadrunners. She is a Cheerleader Roadrunners Alumni & loves being a part of our organization. She is a nurse who works with adults with disabilities, which helps her with being patient with this age group. Hard-working, & passionate. She is CPR & First Aid Certified. She strives in teaching the fundamentals for cheerleading & how to stunt. Coach Gina is excited to work with the children again this year & make some memories with the girls!