General 3 — Cornwall 4th of July

Don Blaine-2023 Grand Marshal

Donald T. Blaine, Jr., has served Cornwall as an educator and coach for many years, and the Cornwall Independence Day Committee is pleased to have chosen him as its 2023 Grand Marshal in recognition of his service to our community.

Don was born to Donald and the late Judy Blaine on October 6, 1956 at Cornwall Hospital. He grew up on Highland Avenue, where his father still lives, and has lived in Cornwall all his life. He married Sue Shearer, who grew up on Mailer Avenue, not far from where they live now, on July 19, 1980 at Cornwall United Methodist Church. You could say he courted Sue since elementary school. They have a son, Dave, and he and his wife Jennifer have given them two grandsons, Finn and Tatum, fraternal twins.

Don graduated from Cornwall Central High School in 1974. He earned a bachelor’s degree, in 1979 from SUNY Cortland, and a master’s degree, in 1982 from SUNY New Paltz, in secondary social studies. In 1986 he received a Certificate of Administration from SUNY New Paltz.

Don started teaching social studies at Cornwall high school in 1982 after brief stints at Monroe-Woodbury and Chester high schools. He says he was fortunate to have some wonderful teachers, including English teacher Eileen DeFreest (Cornwall’s 1993 grand marshal), business teacher Fred Koch and social studies teacher Mal Stewart. They influenced his desire to teach. He loves history, and going back to see why things happened. He taught United States History and Global Studies and enjoyed connecting with students, helping them grow. He retired in 2020.

“I can’t think of a more rewarding way to have spent my life,” Don says. Former students, including some who have become teachers, thank him for the impact he has had on their lives.

He chaired the Social Studies Department for 18 years. For most of those years, Cornwall had the highest regents scores in Orange County.

“I’m very proud of that.”

Don understood the importance of summer school and was a big advocate; he served as principal of Cornwall’s summer program for 23 years. He says that summer school provides an opportunity to learn and study in a smaller group in a concentrated fashion, five days a week for six weeks.

“Summer school gives kids a chance to get back on track.”

For most of his life, Don has also coached - Little League and youth soccer, and famously, wrestling. He was named Head Wrestling Coach at Cornwall Central High School in 1983.

“When I was offered the wrestling coach job at Cornwall, I couldn’t say ‘yes’ fast enough.”

Mike Kroemer, Athletic Director for Cornwall Central School District, knows Don in a bunch of ways. He wrestled for him, served as his assistant wrestling coach and became athletic director while Don was still coaching. Don retired as wrestling coach in 2019.

“Don was a great coach, a great motivator,” Kroemer said. He said Don reached the students who found school difficult.

“When they were on the mat, they knew this was where they belonged.”

“Don had a great upbringing, great parents,” Kroemer said, in explaining Don’s success. “Don loves Cornwall – his love for Cornwall just floats out of him.”

“The guy is admired by every coach and respected by every official in Section 9,” Kroemer said.

Don is the winningest coach in Section lX, compiling a record of 529-120. He amassed 13 League/Divisional championships and coached two-time, New York State Champion Paul Paquin. He coached another state champion, Will Leonard, and the timing was perfect - it happened at his very last match as a coach. The Friends of Section 9 named him Coach of the Year in 2008. Don entered the New York State Hall of Fame in 2011, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014, receiving its Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award.

Don is proud to serve as the 2023 grand marshal.

“I can’t imagine a higher tribute than being honored by your hometown.” Don Blaine, 2023 Grand Marshal

Interview by: Brendan G. Coyne