Dick Abrams is no longer head coach of the Stanwood High School football team.
Abrams submitted his resignation Monday and met with players Wednesday morning to explain his decision.
“I just am looking at some different options as far as my career. I think we left the program in pretty good shape,” said Abrams, who compiled a record of 36-32 in seven seasons at Stanwood.
In 2008 Abrams guided the Spartans to a 3-6 record (3-3 in Western Conference North Division games). He had a strong run of teams from 2003 to 2006. During those years Stanwood won 27 games. The peak was 2004 when Stanwood went 7-1 in league games and won the Wesco North title.
“I enjoyed the kids here. We had a great time,” Abrams said. “But there are some times where you have to make a move.”
Abrams, who lives in Stanwood, said he plans to continue teaching physical education at Stanwood High School, though he might eventually seek another coaching job.
Abrams previously was head football coach at Marysville-Pilchuck and Jackson, where he started the Mill Creek school’s program. Before that Abrams was an assistant coach for Terry Ennis at Cascade. In all, Abrams has 33 years of football coaching experience, 15 as a head coach.
While guiding one of Stanwood’s league rivals, Snohomish head football coach Mark Perry got to know Abrams well. Perry said he was disappointed to hear of Abrams’ departure.
“I think that Stanwood’s made a mistake in accepting his resignation,” Perry said, “and should have kept him around for a little while longer.”
Abrams’ Stanwood teams were always competitive and well-coached, Perry said.
“Stanwood is losing a very good football coach and a very good person. Beyond the X’s and O’s, Dick is as good of a mentor for boys as you can find around in the area. He’s proven himself through the years as far as being a good coach and a good person,” Perry added.
Abrams graduated from Longview High in 1971. He played football at Willamette University in Oregon.
Asked about his favorite memories at Stanwood, Abrams mentioned the 2004 division title and having more than 20 players go on to play college football. “We’ve had kids keep going with what we’ve tried to teach them,” he said.
Another annual highlight was the Stilly Cup rivalry game against Arlington, said Abrams. Historically, Arlington has dominated the matchup but Abrams’ teams went 3-4 against the Eagles. That included a 48-39 triumph over Arlington this past season on Halloween.
“Stilly Cup’s always been a great game, a great rivalry,” Abrams said. “You never knew how it was going to come out. It was very emotional for your kids.”
In a release Wednesday from the Stanwood School District, Stanwood High principal Christine Gruver “expressed her appreciation for Abrams and the dedication and quality he brought to the program.”
Abrams revived football at Stanwood and implemented a well-structured offseason workout system, Stanwood High athletic director Tom Wilfong said. When Abrams took the job, he became Stanwood’s fourth head coach in four years.
Writer Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
