SYRACUSE - Wawasee football coach Joe Rietveld resigned Friday, marking the end of an era for the Warriors.
Rietveld resigned and in a statement thanked the school for "the opportunity to be the head coach" but also stated a "difference in philosophy on attaining the resources needed to run a successful football program."
Rietveld was the winningest coach in Wawasee's history with a mark of 51-48 in nine seasons.
Rietveld took over in 1998 and went 1-9 in his first year. The Warriors then began a steady ascent.
Rietveld guided the Warriors to four straight winning seasons starting in 2003, highlighted by a trip to the 4A state finals in 2004 where the Warriors fell 35-10 to powerhouse Roncalli.
The Warriors went 8-3 this past season and will face heavy losses due to graduation.
Quarterback Joe Leach, wide receiver Andrew Mock and tight end/linebacker Lance Zimmerman highlight a talented group of seniors."Wawasee certainly has been blessed to have a young guy come in for his first job and do what Joe did," said Wawasee Athletic Director Mary Hurley. "The mix was perfect. Joe leaves as the winningest head coach at Wawasee and I think that speaks for itself."
Hurley said the matter is a personnel issue and will be dealt with as such. Internal candidates will be considered and then, if needed, the job will be posted to outside candidates.
Rietveld said he was open to other coaching opportunities and also stated that he did not apply for the opening at Goshen.
Rietveld will remain a teacher at Wawasee High School
