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Cumba leaving STA

Eric Cumba said he struggled with the decision for about two weeks before he decided to resign as the head coach at St. Thomas Aquinas in Dover on Monday.

Cumba announced his decision after St. Thomas eliminated his full-time position as assistant athletic director.

“I was told the position had to be taken out of the budget,” Cumba said. “If football paid the bills I’d probably still be the coach here, but at this point I need to take care of my myself and my family. I didn’t want anything that would prevent me from taking an interview in Nashua, Manchester or any other part of the state. Plus St. Thomas needs time to get someone in here for these kids.”

Cumba, who played offensive line at UNH from 2005 to 2008, guided St. Thomas to two state championships during his six seasons as the program’s head coach. The Saints won the Division V title in 2011, and the Division II title in 2015. St. Thomas also lost to Windham in the 2014 Division II championship game.

Cumba, 31, joined the St. Thomas staff in 2009, when Rod Wotton was the team’s head coach. Wotton came out of retirement to revive the St. Thomas program and resigned with more career victories than any other high school football coach in New England.

Cumba said he wants to remain in education and to coach varsity football in some capacity next season. He is certified to teach in physical education/health and general special education.

“At the minimum I want to help out as an assistant,” he said. “It’s just a matter of what jobs come open. I’m hoping my football resume will make me more attractive. I just need to find a situation that suits my family best.”

 

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