Haldane’s Dwidar Resigns as Soccer Coach

Ahmed Dwicar after winning the state title in 2022.

COLD SPRING – A state-championship-winning coach is out.

Ahmed Dwidar, the longtime boys’ soccer coach at Haldane High School, will no longer coach. Privacy concerns prevented a specific reason from being stated, but the coach said he resigned to spend more time with his family.

He has two children, ages 5 and 1.

Athletic Director Tom Cunningham did not return a call for comment.

Under Dwidar, the Blue Devils won the state Class C championship in 2022. His teams have also won several league and sectional titles in his 12 years as coach. Other than the exploits of the highly successful girls’ basketball program, he remains the only coach in school history to win a boys’ state title.

Dwidar more or less built the program. He said there were 14 players who came out for the team 12 years ago. Now, there are 85 players on modified, junior varsity, and varsity.

He also coached at Dutchess Community College and Walter Panas High School before returning to the Blue Devils. Dwidar told the Putnam County Press/Times that he would use the time off to reflect on the idea of coaching again.

Although no official announcement has been made, assistants Dan Rotando, Ramsey Heitmann, Carl Bontempo, and John Rotando will likely be considered for the head job,

“I did talk to the players and sent a letter to the parents,” said Dwidar, who paused before adding, “I love the game, but this chapter has closed.”