He will start anew in Delran's program as an assistant coach in 1987.
"We've had outstanding teams and some great kids here over the years, and I will miss being a head coach," Paris said. "But Holy Cross football has a nice tradition and the program will carry on."
The Lancers, who have 10 lettermen, will attempt to rebound from a 3-6 overall record in 1985, a season marred by injuries to key players.
"I think we have a legitimate chance at a .500 record or better," Paris said. "Several of these kids have good potential. We also have some experience so maybe that will give us a boost when the season starts."
Three senior offensive stars head the list of returnees. They include fullback Doug Harty, offensive tackle Frank Casano, and center Dave Forte. The Lancers will employ a Delaware Wing-T offense to replace last season's I- formation.
Harty, who is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and who weighs 175 pounds, will serve as a co-captain along with Casano, who is 5-11, 230. Harty gained 400 yards last season and proved to be an excellent blocker in the backfield.
Casano will start at right tackle and will play defensively as well. Forte, a 6-0, 185-pound center, will return for his second straight season as a starter.
"These three players are typical Holy Cross athletes," Paris said. ''They're good, tough kids who work their tails off in practice. They may have had a bad season last year, but they're determined to come back. They're character ballplayers."
The Lancers also will have some experience at quarterback in junior Rich Renshaw (5-8, 160). Renshaw started the last three games of the 1985 season when graduated starter Mike Dengler went down with an injury.
"Rich (Renshaw) is capable of doing the job," Paris said. "I'm glad he's had some varsity experience. That should help him mature at a faster pace this season and pick up our offense some."
