“Where is Darnell? Come here, Darnell. Want to say something?”
The year was 2019. Surrounded by his teammates, on the grounds of the White House lawn, Darnell Woolfolk couldn’t help but reflect on how far his life had come. With the hands of the President of the United States massaging his shoulders in encouragement, the 2014 Maine-Endwell grad took to the podium to thank his fans, and country, for their support. For the first time ever, his Army Black Knights secured the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy in back-to-back seasons. But not long before this standout fullback was breaking records at West Point, he was making history at Spartan Stadium as part of another historic run.
“There were so many great memories throughout my time at Maine Endwell. Most come on the Friendly Fields of Strife. At the top of the list was winning the State Championship three times and, more specifically, catching the Two-Point conversion pass from Kyle Gallagher to win the game our senior year at the Carrier Dome,” said Woolfolk.
For this standout athlete, the memories made on the gridiron will last a lifetime, but it’s not just the wins that he holds close to his heart. Woolfolk says his time as a Spartan helped shape the person he is today, thanks to the impact his coaches left on his life.
“There are so many people who had an impact on me growing up. I would like to just highlight a few. The first is Coach Titus. He is a great man who made math enjoyable. He would always find a way to make you smile and always taught me there was a time and place to have fun and be serious. He also pushed me to be the best that I could be in the weight room and looking back on it I greatly appreciate that. Next is Coach Crooks. Coach Crooks wasn't a man of many words, but I found myself having heart-to-heart conversations with him quite often. He taught me a lot on both the football and baseball field. He is another staff member who cared not just about the academics, but me as a person. It felt like he invested in me when he did not have to,” said Woolfolk.
Last but not least - Coach Gallagher, someone Woolfolk still describes as “a second father.”
“Coach Gallagher seemed to have always believed in me. He would push me through the tough times and challenge me during the good ones. He and his family allowed me to live in their home when mine was flooded and my family was essentially homeless. Coach Gallagher is still a man I can lean on when things get tough. I believe that he played a huge role in who I am today. I am grateful to have him and his family in my life,” said Woolfolk.
As Woolfolk’s time at Maine-Endwell was coming to an end, his aspirations to play at the next level only grew. While Division I was always the goal, it looked like Ithaca College would be the next step. While not the dream, it was a chance to continue working toward something bigger. Then, roughly two weeks before he was set to sign with the Division III school, he received the call of a lifetime. It was Coach John Loose from Army.
“I only knew what Army football was because they were not one of the better teams in the NCAA Football video games. So once I got the offer, I began to look into what it actually was. Growing up I had always wanted to work in law enforcement. I thought going to West Point and then later serving was a bigger and better way to serve,” said Woolfolk.
Woolfolk knew joining the Division I Black Knights would come with the commitment of serving his country, and he didn’t mind one bit. He’d hit the ground running…literally…just like he did at Maine-Endwell, rushing for 2,368 rushing yards - 9th all-time at Army. His 37 career touchdowns currently rank him 3rd all-time ahead of former Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw. But just as his time on the gridiron taught him countless life lessons, serving his country would bring on a whole new chapter.
The 2014 grad started his Army career stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado where he served as a Fire Direction Officer and a Platoon Leader. Today, he’s serving at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he’s a Battery Commander for a Headquarters and Service Battery. This father of two only continues to learn, just as he did while walking the halls of M-E.
“The military has taught me many things throughout the years. 1) To be humble. You can learn something from everybody, no matter where they come from or their rank. 2) Resiliency. You never know what situation you will be put in in the military. You must be physically and mentally tough to persevere through any challenges. 3) Leadership. Because of the rank structure in the military, you have so many opportunities to lead. Because people come from so many different backgrounds, you must learn to make your Team, Platoon, Company, Troop, or Battery come together to accomplish the mission,” said Woolfolk.
We’re so proud of Darnell and all his accomplishments, both on and off the field. Remember, once a Spartan, always a Spartan!
“I had so many people in my corner at M-E who supported me and wanted to see nothing but the best for me. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without the Maine Endwell community,” said Woolfolk.