The Athol football team will be under new leadership moving forward.
Athol athletic director Dan Bevis sent out a release on Wednesday announcing that football coach Bill LaRose had resigned from his position.
“Coach LaRose was a coach who ate, slept and breathed Athol football,” Bevis said in a statement. “His excitement and pride for the football program — and Athol in particular — was evident and often something his players fed off of. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
LaRose had just completed his eighth season with the Bears. Prior to coaching the high school team, LaRose had success as the coach of the Athol-Royalston middle school team.
“I will miss the athletes at Athol High School,” LaRose said on Wednesday. “They’re a dedicated and loyal group. I’ve said this to them and I’ve said it to anyone who will listen; with the exception of title of dad, there’s no title I’d like to have more than the head coach of the Athol High School football team.”
LaRose said he accepted a teaching position at Palmer High School, though is unsure what his future in coaching holds.
In his eight varsity seasons at Athol, LaRose compiled a 33-48 record. His time with the Bears closed on a high note with a 52-12 rout of rival Mahar on Thanksgiving.
“They were a happy group,” LaRose said. “I’m happy for them because they had some bad luck this year. This was one of those seasons where if we didn’t have a couple injuries, it might have been a different year. Despite that they fought hard, they never quit and were a very coachable group. It was a fun year to be around them. I really enjoyed this season with these kids. They’re a really good group.”
The head coaching position is now open and anyone interested in applying should do so at www.schoolspring.com.