Rodseth Resigns As Decatur Football Coach

Kent Rodseth doesn't measure success solely in terms of wins and losses.

In many ways, he considers his six years as head football coach at Decatur High School a success. But he admits the lack of victories - coupled with his desire to earn a master's degree - was a factor in his decision to resign this week.

"It's frustrating not to win," said Rodseth, who leaves with a 12-44 record. "You want to win. But you don't become a coach for the wins. There are so many other positives going on in the program. But the lack of consistent success on Friday nights gets to you. It bothers you.

"No matter how hard you work, it's frustrating. That may be a part of it (his decision). Maybe I need to step back and take a look at it. But there are so many other positive things I can look at it."

The Gators started the 1998 season 2-0 for the first time in school history. But they went 0-7 in the South Puget Sound League's South Division for the second straight year. Decatur hasn't won an SPSL game since 1995.

"Maybe someone can step in now and take the program to another level and get some consistency in winning," said Rodseth, who intends to continue teaching at Decatur. He said he would consider returning to coaching if the right opportunity came along.

He said he did not feel pressure to win more or resign.

"The only pressure I've ever felt is the pressure I put on myself," Rodseth said. "No one ever said, `You have to win x number of games or you're outta here.' What we've done for kids has been positive. . . .

"Things are in better shape than when I got here. The kids are recognized as being competitive. I'm really proud of the fact our kids go to class, and we've had some kids go on (to play in college)."

Three players on the 1998 team have signed letters of intent - Kevin Louewsma and Wes Nurse with Boise State and Corey Smith with Montana State. Victor Rogers, a 1997 Decatur grad, is a starter at Colorado.