Rob Marone was unanimously approved by the Wallingford Board of Education to be the next head football coach at Lyman Hall.

Marone, who served the last four seasons as the offensive coordinator at Wilbur Cross, takes over for Chip McKeehan, who stepped down in January after 12 seasons with the Trojans. McKeehan replaced Phil Ottochian, who stepped down after 32 seasons in 1999.

"It's definitely a bit overwhelming being the next guy in line after Chip McKeehan and after coach Ottochian," said Marone, who played at Lyman Hall. "I'm definitely looking forward to giving back, and being an influence to the kids like those guys were on me."

Marone will continue his full-time position as a physical education teacher at Wilbur Cross.

"I'm happy for him," Wilbur Cross coach John Acquavita said. "It's nice for him to get a shot at this. He's going to be missed."