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New football coach named

Erik Larka was named the new football coach today at Norwich Free Academy.

“We have found someone in Coach Larka that has had success with two different programs, including one in our conference,” said NFA Athletic Director Roy Wentworth. “We are excited for him to continue to build our program and ensure we are successful not just on the field, but in the classroom. Coach Larka has embraced this approach, and we are excited for him to get started.”

“This is such an opportunity,” said Larka. “NFA has a rich history of athletic success. I am excited to continue my career and build on the strong foundation set before me. I am looking forward to meeting the players, getting our off-season program going and representing the Academy on the field and in the community. I am ready to get started!”

Larka most recently served as the head coach at Jonathan Law High School, his alma mater. He started at Law in 2016 and took the team to the CIAC playoffs for the first time ever in 2017. The team finished 7-3 during his final full season as head coach in 2018.

For three seasons, Larka was the head coach at Bacon Academy where he led the Bobcats to the school’s second appearance in the state playoffs, as well as an ECC Large Division title. The Norwich Bulletin named him its 2015 Coach of the Year.

Larka, who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, also has experience
coaching at Western Connecticut State University.

Larka replaces Jason Bakoulis who resigned in late 2021 to spend more time with his young and growing family.