February 5, 2018 Purples football ended a remarkable era. Officially named head coach at St. Xavier High School out of Louisville, Kentucky, Kevin Wallace resigned from Bowling Green High. In his time at Bowling Green, Coach Wallace coached for twenty years, accumulating 299 wins, ten regional titles, eight state championship appearances, and five state championships.
According to an interview from earlier in the year, this decision to leave Bowling Green High, as well as the town,wasn't an easy one. Wallace had created relationships with so many players, coaches, fans, and people in the community, which made his decision difficult to make. On the other hand, he was very excited to begin a new journey by moving from a town to a city and a public school to a private school. Wallace also stated that he was ready to reconnect with former Purple and current Tiger, Coach Nick Baisch, who left the program two years ago.
The player response to Wallace’s decision was not very supportive, as the Purples football team had already begun their winter practices. Rumors started to whirl of transferring and quitting, as it seemed that the program was going to take a hit. Jamil Smith, a senior running back, said, “I felt rejected, but he had an opportunity he couldn't pass up.”senior linebacker Zayne Harpool said “He had to do what he had to do for his family. Keep the family close, I respect it.” On the other side some players didn’t feel too positive about his change. Liam Stipe, senior, said “I felt rejected and like he didn't believe in us. It was like he was never really in it for the long run.” Lastly from senior offensive lineman, Tre Cofer said “I could really care less. He made his decision.” As for myself, I was devastated and hurt by his decision with a fear of where we would go as a team, but still respected his decision. Overall, as a team, Coach Wallace had a major impact on our football lives.The team continues to describe him as wise, dedicated, and motivated.
After weeks of no true head coach and being led by Coach Spader and a group of seniors through winter workouts, Mark Spader was called upon to fill Wallace’s shoes. Already having developed relationships with current players and the community, he stepped up from Defensive Coordinator to Head Coach. The town was filled with buzz, as he’s known for his wiry-witty presence on and off the field. In our third game coached by Coach Spader, the team faced Coach Wallace and his tigers. The game was very emotionally charged and filled with adversity, but in overtime Dalton Major kicked the game winning field goal to help the Purples prevail 24-21 and send Wallace into an 0-2 record.
By Miles Smith
According to an interview from earlier in the year, this decision to leave Bowling Green High, as well as the town,wasn't an easy one. Wallace had created relationships with so many players, coaches, fans, and people in the community, which made his decision difficult to make. On the other hand, he was very excited to begin a new journey by moving from a town to a city and a public school to a private school. Wallace also stated that he was ready to reconnect with former Purple and current Tiger, Coach Nick Baisch, who left the program two years ago.
The player response to Wallace’s decision was not very supportive, as the Purples football team had already begun their winter practices. Rumors started to whirl of transferring and quitting, as it seemed that the program was going to take a hit. Jamil Smith, a senior running back, said, “I felt rejected, but he had an opportunity he couldn't pass up.”senior linebacker Zayne Harpool said “He had to do what he had to do for his family. Keep the family close, I respect it.” On the other side some players didn’t feel too positive about his change. Liam Stipe, senior, said “I felt rejected and like he didn't believe in us. It was like he was never really in it for the long run.” Lastly from senior offensive lineman, Tre Cofer said “I could really care less. He made his decision.” As for myself, I was devastated and hurt by his decision with a fear of where we would go as a team, but still respected his decision. Overall, as a team, Coach Wallace had a major impact on our football lives.The team continues to describe him as wise, dedicated, and motivated.
After weeks of no true head coach and being led by Coach Spader and a group of seniors through winter workouts, Mark Spader was called upon to fill Wallace’s shoes. Already having developed relationships with current players and the community, he stepped up from Defensive Coordinator to Head Coach. The town was filled with buzz, as he’s known for his wiry-witty presence on and off the field. In our third game coached by Coach Spader, the team faced Coach Wallace and his tigers. The game was very emotionally charged and filled with adversity, but in overtime Dalton Major kicked the game winning field goal to help the Purples prevail 24-21 and send Wallace into an 0-2 record.
By Miles Smith