DEXTER – In 1966, Tim Wilson took over as the head coach of the Dexter football team, the start of a six-year span that included two Class C co-state championships and two LTC titles.

Now, after several years of teaching and serving others, the last 14 affiliated with the Seeds of Peace camp in Otisfield, Wilson has returned to lead the Tigers again.

“I owe the town so much,” Wilson said. “My career has been unbelievable because people in this town supported me in ’66.”

Wilson takes over as coach from Harold “Haggie” Pratt, who had coached the Tigers for the past 12 seasons.

Over the years, Wilson has worked for several state agencies, received a medal of honor from the late King Hussein of Jordan in 1997, served as headmaster at the Hyde School in Bath, and director of admissions at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, where he also coached the football team in 1988.

Now, he’s looking forward to the challenge of coaching Dexter, which has struggled in recent times, recording just two winning seasons in the last 10 years and none since 2001.

“It’s nice being able to be back in a town where I have such fond memories,” Wilson said. “Its also a town where they want the kids to have success. It’s going to take time.”

It hasn’t been a lack of effort on the team’s part, Wilson added.

“I think the kids have responded well,” he said.

They’ve also been curious about Wilson’s association with Seeds for Peace, which offers Wilson a chance to offer a unique perspective to his charges. For example, during one session, one of the campers was in Otisfield, while back home, the camper’s parents lived in a bomb shelter.

“Football is important, but it’s not important compared to what is going on in the world,” he said. “If you lose, the sun will come up tomorrow.”

Wilson has also received some help from other notable Dexter football names from the past, including Frank Spizuoco, Butch Wallace, Steve Spaulding, Kevin Armstrong and Phil Mosley.

Wilson is also trying to restart the town’s feeder program.

“There are a lot of people trying to help,” he said. “That’s the saving grace in all of this.”

Wilson said he hopes to bring the Tigers back to prominence as a thank-you to the school that gave him a chance.

“I really want to help them improve and help get them on the way,” he said.

DEXTER TIGERS

2005 record: 2-7

Head coach: Tim Wilson, first year

Key players: Steve Robinson, QB, Sr.; Ben Spizuoco, RB, Sr.; Nathan Redmond, Sr.; Josh Cousins, Sr.; Tom Lockhart, Sr.; Joe Wiehn, Sr.; Ben Spizuoco, Sr.

Outlook: A 32 player roster will look to reverse a trend of four straight losing seasons, which won’t be easy in the LTC. Wilson said he’s pleased with the effort the team has put in during preseason camp, which will be vital to the present and future success of the squad.