Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame
Considered undersized for an offensive lineman, Daryl Agpalsa earned his place in the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame through superior technique and savvy.
Though he stood just 5-foot-10 and weighed a mere 225 pounds, Agpalsa proved himself more than capable of holding his own ground on the line.
“Daryl made up for his lack of stature as an offensive lineman with intelligence, technique, and preparation,” said longtime former Linfield associate head football coach Doug Hire. “He studied his opponents, worked on defining and perfecting his technique, and was a student of the game. He had pretty good leverage and hips and at times knew how to hide his hands, holding defenders.”
A four-year starter and three-time Northwest Conference all-star, the Waipahu, Hawaii, native developed into the centerpiece of an offensive line that paved the way for a team record 45 rushing touchdowns in 2002.
Overall, that Linfield squad ranks among the top 10 in Linfield history in eight different statistical categories.
Described in the 2001 Linfield Football Guide as “the best technician on the offensive line” and “mentally tough,” Agpalsa beautifully combined the physical and mental aspects of the game.
As a player, he was a major cog for the Wildcats as they won three consecutive NWC championships. As a senior, he was chosen as a unanimous first team All-American on four different All-America teams.
“There were so many great moments that define Daryl and who he is,” said Hire, looking back. “One thing that sticks out is how he competed – not only on game day but also during practice. His intensity and focus on perfecting blocking schemes, adjusting his techniques, making suggestions and sharing input with me about ways we could do things better was invaluable.”
After completing a bachelor’s degree in business, he began his coaching career at Linfield for four years, soaking up all he could from Hire. Together, they helped the Wildcats claim three more league championships as well as undefeated season and the NCAA Division III championship in 2004.
Using the knowledge and experience gained at Linfield, he embarked on coaching stops at Hamline College, the University of Minnesota, and at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he was a member of two Division III national championship clubs.
His coaching odyssey continued at the University of Buffalo on the way to his current position as offensive line coach at Northern Illinois.
Daryl and his wife, Ali, a former Wildcats swimmer, are raising two daughters, Addison and Hailey, and a son, Noa.
