Heritage football coach Jack Hathaway stunned just about everyone associated with the program when he resigned this week.
He acknowledged the timing of his resignation is not ideal, with spring football practice in its second week.
“I have an opportunity I’m going to pursue elsewhere that is not going to allow me to coach and teach at Heritage High School anymore,” Hathaway said without any further details on his future.
“I feel I’m leaving the program in a good state. It was a tough decision. I love Heritage, the staff, the administration, and the kids,” he added. “I’m going to miss everything about Heritage.”
Leta Meyer, the school’s athletic director, was working on posting the position on Thursday. Hathaway’s resignation took her by surprise.
“Jack has done a great job. Our program is healthy,” Meyer said.
In fact, more than 130 players are out for spring practice. Hathaway was preparing for his fourth year with the Timberwolves, and he said this was the best turnout for spring ball he has had.
“It’s too bad because Jack did a really good job of building the program and changing the culture,” Meyer said.
While the team did not have as many wins as Hathaway would have liked, the number of athletes showed that he was, indeed, making an impact, Meyer said.
“He’s a really good man,” Meyer said. “It’s a loss.”
Heritage went 7-21 in Hathaway’s three seasons, with one playoff berth.
Now, it’s Meyer’s job to hire a new coach.
“We’re going to move on from here, and we’re going to find someone who is a good fit with our school,” Meyer said.
“Somebody is going to take over the program and do great things,” Hathaway said.
