Shawn Perkins resigns after 21 seasons at Mark Morris football coach

Shawn Perkins resigned Thursday after 21 seasons as the head football coach at Mark Morris High School.

“Today, I officially resigned my position as head football coach at Mark Morris High School,” Perkins posted to social media on Thursday. “(A) sentence I though I would never say, but it is time for a new voice and energy to lead the MM football program.”

Perkins, 55, was the second-longest tenured head football coach in region, behind John Lambert of La Center.

He was hired in April 2003 as the Monarchs’ coach after four seasons as the head coach at Bremerton High School, replacing John Sapinsky after the Monarchs’ 0-9 season in 2002.

Perkins posted an overall record of 98-108 in his 21 seasons with Mark Morris, leading the Monarchs to 2A Greater St. Helens League titles in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, six state playoff appearances, two state quartefinal berths and a semifinal appearance in 2010.

“Shawn worked extremely hard at his craft,” Mark Morris athletic director Robert Blackman said in a press release. “Due to his efforts, the Mark Morris football program and the Mark Morris physical education department were enhanced in numerous. Shawn has been an outstanding leader both in our building and at the state level in the football coach’s world. On behalf of the entire Mark Morris community, I would like to thank Shawn and his family for all they have done for Mark Morris football.”

After heavy graduation losses following an 8-2 season in 2022, the Monarchs went 3-6 this fall.

“I truly love the game of football and coaching it is one of the highlights of my life,” Perkins said in his post. “I think it is the greatest game ever played. … I will miss seeing my players grow from goofy little freshmen to senior leaders and the rewards of seeing them get married, being good fathers, husbands and leaders in the community. I will miss the Friday night lights, the locker room, practices and the bus rides.

“Thank you again to everyone’s support and go Monarchs!!!”

Related Stories