History was never on Darren Stratton’s mind.
In fact, the longtime Northern Essex Community College men’s basketball coach had no idea he was about to hit a major milestone this week.
But as he locked down his 300th career win as Knights head coach, his phone started buzzing, and buzzing, and didn’t stop. and that’s when he knew it was special.
“I must have gotten at least 75 texts that night from former players and coaches congratulating me,” said Stratton, a Haverhill resident. “That really hit me. The wins and the losses are going to come. But it’s the relationships you build that last forever. I was amazed how many people reached out. It meant a lot.”
On Thursday, Stratton earned win No. 300 with NECC, when his Knights knocked off host Community College of Rhode Island, 88-71.
In 21 seasons as Northern Essex coach (1998-2016, 2020-present), Stratton now owns a 300-202 record.
The Knights are 10-0 this season and ranked No. 2 in the most recent NJCAA weekly poll. That comes a year after going 33-2 and taking fifth at the NJCAA National Championships.
“Darren is Northern Essex through-and-through,” said NECC athletic director Dan Blair. “He was a player here, he was an assistant coach here, and he’s done a fantastic job for 21 seasons. He understands the mission of Northern Essex and community colleges. He’s built a successful program, and we’re so excited for him.”
Stratton said he had no inkling he was nearing 300 victories, until Blair told him on Wednesday.
“I found out the day before the game,” he said. “I was leaving Dan’s office, and he said to me, ‘Go get this win, it’s a special one. I wish it was at home.’ I asked him why it was special? He told me that I was going for win 300. I was surprised.”
And at just 50-years-old, turning 51 in September, Stratton is far from finished. He said he plans to keep leading the Knights as long as he can, and that’s exactly how Blair wants it.
“As long as I’m around I hope he’s around coaching our team,” said Blair. “We’re so happy for him. Having him come back to the program in the middle of the COVID pandemic was huge, and he’s been nothing but successful since. He’s not someone that wants the attention, and we’re lucky to have him.”
The Knights will honor Stratton before Saturday’s home game vs. MassBay Community College (noon). It will include the presentation of a plaque and the game ball from Thursday. But the coach has already turned his focus to the next win.
“It’s so tough to win just one game, let alone 300,” he said. “Now I’m hoping we get win No. 301 Saturday. I thank God for allowing me to stay healthy and keep doing this mentally and physically. I love the athletic department and athletes here. I hope I’m here for a while.”
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