NA football coach plans to step down
BY AMY DeMELIA SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Saturday, January 31, 2009 1:49 AM EST
Red Rocketeer head coach Kurt Kummer, right, with assistant Don Johnson. (File photo by Mark Stockwell)
NORTH ATTLEBORO - Kurt Kummer has resigned from his position as North Attleboro High School's varsity football coach to focus more of his attention on his new job as athletic director.
"I love football, I love the kids and I love Big Red," Kummer said.
But, he added, "I've taken the post of athletic director, and the time commitment for the new job is very big. Adding in the time it takes to be the coach would be tough."
Kummer, who has been the varsity football program's head coach for five years, said resigning was a tough decision. His resignation became effective on Wednesday.
"What I'll miss most is the relationship with the kids," he said.
In his resignation letter, Kummer wrote: "I have enjoyed my time at the helm of Big Red football, however after much reflection, it is clear to me that the time has come for me to step down.
"It is my intention to focus my efforts and energy on serving all the athletic teams as the director of athletics and to continue to use my talents to guide all coaches and student-athletes towards the pursuit of excellence."
Kummer took over as athletic director this month, following the retirement of Paul Sullivan.
Principal Robert Gay said Kummer will be missed as head coach.
"I completely respect his decision. Kurt Kummer is a gentleman and the type of coach that any parent would want for their children," he said. "Since getting the job of athletic director, he's been putting in 14 hours days, so he came to the difficult decision to give up the coaching position."
Gay said the position of head coach will be posted and an appointment to fill the vacancy will be made in a few weeks.
