In 1992, Perron earned his Masters of Sports Science (Sport Coaching) degree from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Alabama.  He also received diplomas from Woodrow Wilson High School (Beckley, W.Va.) in 1980, Appalachian Bible College (Bradley, W.Va.) in 1983, and Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids, Mich.) in 1985. 

David Walker, who is Peoria’s high school principal, speaks very highly of Perron’s abilities.  “In the five years that I knew Dave here at PCS, he built our varsity soccer program to be one of the most respected in the area even though our school is a single A school and most of the teams we play are from AA schools,” Walker said.  “Coach Perron annually attended the National Coaches Association Soccer Clinic to stay up with the trends and changing strategy in soccer.”

Ed Ryan, who is Peoria’s middle school principal, also holds Perron in high regard.  “Mr. Perron continually demonstrated a strong Christian character in every aspect of his coaching and personal life,” Ryan said.  “He continually emphasized the importance of character, sportsmanship, and a growing relationship with the Lord.”

Perron is look forward to his role as a collegiate head coach.  “I grew up on a college campus and I always saw myself as a college coach,” Perron said.  “Through various circumstances this position came open and I look to make the most of it.”

The 2005 Lady Rams struggled to a 1-13 record, but after meeting the team, Perron definitely sees a reason for optimism.  “We talked about what we need to work on as far as conditioning and the style of play I look to incorporate.  Basically, we need to shore up a few things and add some depth.”

Depth is certainly a key factor for the 2006 Lady Rams as this year’s team lacked depth to begin with and that was further decimated when several key players suffered injuries.  “We lose both goalies, so my primary objective is to fill that void and also add plenty of depth at all positions,” Perron stated. 

“There seems to be a good core group of girls coming back and they seem very willing to work,” Perron said.  “If the players know you care about them, care about the program, and care about teaching them the game, then success will follow.”

Bluefield, which has competed in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) the last four years, will take the step up into Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play beginning in 2006 and that certainly presents a challenge for the new mentor.  “As we improve and bring more recruits in and get the program kick-started, it will continue to grow, and as the old adage goes, ‘Success breeds success,’ Perron said.

“Out of 207 NAIA teams, last year’s team was ranked at 192,” Perron said.  “My first goal is to be in the top 100, which I feel is attainable – modest, yet attainable.” 

Perron will look to add an international flavor when it comes to style of play.  “We are going to focus on making the short, quick passes – kind of a Brazilian or Italian style of play,” Perron said.  “The quick, one-touch passing allows you to move the ball down the field and finish it off with the killer pass at the end to produce the desired result.”

“I’ve found that if you get the team to play that style, it’s fun for them and everybody gets the ball,” Perron noted.  “It’s also exciting for the fans to watch, plus – believe it or not – if we have the ball, the other team can’t score,” Perron said with a chuckle.

Perron is eager to get things rolling at BC and sees many similarities between his current and former school.  “The situation here at Bluefield is very similar to Peoria as far as being a Christian school and the odds are seemingly stacked against us with such a tough schedule, etc, but with hard work and the right attitude, we will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

“My desire is to help my players and all students understand that their talents and abilities are to be used to bring glory to God,” Perron commented.  “It’s all about Him!  It’s not about what we accomplish or do, but what he’s been able to accomplish and do through us.”

Dave and wife, Janice, have been married for 13 years.