Milford Athletics

Long-time Milford High School Boys Soccer Coach Brian Croston has announced that the recently completed 2024 season will be his final on the Eagles’ sideline as he is retiring after 19 seasons. Croston steps away as the winner of 230 games in his outstanding career.

Croston came to Milford following a 12-year coaching career in Texas, arriving for the 2006 season. During his stellar tenure, he posted a career record of 230-94-37, won a pair of conference championships, three district crowns and was a two-time regional finalist. Croston won a pair of area coach of the year awards and was the 2008 Fort Ancient Valley Conference Coach of the Year as well.

“Coach Brian Croston and Milford Soccer are synonymous in my book,” declared Milford Director of Athletics Aaron Zupka. “Though I have only been here for the tail end of his 19 years coaching at Milford, one of my first (and best) experiences at MHS was my first fall season on the job and getting to experience the electric run to the Regional Finals in 2019! I immediately realized the quality of a program he had built and some amazing young men who have benefited from it. 

“I will always appreciate Coach Croston's knowledge of the game, calm but influencing demeanor on the sidelines, and loyalty to his team/school,” Zupka continued. “In this day and age, it's very uncommon to see most coaches stay 5-10 years at a school, but to do it for 19 years at one place and do it at a high level, that's a testament to the quality of coach and person Coach Croston is. He will be missed on the field at Milford but his legacy and impact will always be remembered by those who he coached and positively influenced!”

Croston also held the dual responsibility of leading the Milford Boys Volleyball program for six of his 19 years at the school. He will continue his duties as a teacher in Milford’s Mathematics Department going forward.

“My decision to retire from coaching had nothing to do with being burnt out,” Croston stated. “I probably love coaching game strategy and working with the boys now more than ever. I cannot play in practice with them at the same level as I could a decade or so ago. But, I knew it was time to retire when I started missing my own kids’ events.”

A search for the next Milford head coach will take place in the coming weeks.