After five years at the helm of the Redmond High varsity football program, head coach Jason Rimkus resigned last Friday citing personal reasons, namely aiming to better balance his work and life. He will continue to teach health and work as the health department chair at Redmond High.
“It’s with a very heavy heart I am saying goodbye and resigning as your head football coach. Redmond, I can’t thank you enough. I’ve had the honor and blessing to coach truly dedicated players, very supportive parents and a caring community; what more can a man ask for?” he said in his resignation letter.
In an email to the Reporter, he added: “The tears are still flowing and I imagine they will for weeks to come. This is very difficult but I’m so thankful for the people and players in my life.”
In his last game for the Stangs, Rimkus’ squad lost, 21-3, to Lake Washington in a 3A KingCo two-quarter tiebreaker game on Oct. 31. Redmond defeated Interlake, 23-13, in KingCo action on Oct. 27 to earn a spot in the tiebreaker, which sent LW and Mercer Island to the district playoffs.
Big regular-season wins this year for Redmond (4-5) were 24-16 over LW and 28-21 over Juanita. Rimkus finished 14-32 overall with the Mustangs in 3A and 4A KingCo.
In his letter, Rimkus thanked Redmond principal Jane Todd and athletic directors Dan Pudwill and John Appelgate for supporting and believing in him.
About his coaches and staff, he said the dedication and love they demonstrated to the team is unparalleled. He expressed his love for the players and his appreciation for the Redmond students for “the fun nights and loud cheers” and the booster club.
“Finally, to my family, thank you for the unconditional love, support and guidance,” he wrote.
Among the many life-changing qualities he learned at Redmond while interacting with the players and staff, Rimkus said chief among them are genuine care, sacrifice, patience and perspective.
Rimkus feels he brought myriad characteristics to the table, including love, hard work and giving players insight “into what’s truly important as a teammate and team, motivation to make positive change in their lives and fun.”
He’s not sure what the future holds, but said that he’ll coach again someday.
“Right now, I just plan on stepping back, exploring other interests in my life and discovering more purpose for my passions,” he said.
Pudwill said Rimkus is a tireless competitor whose passion for football became contagious within the program.
“He taught the players under his guidance that football is more than a game, it is an opportunity to join a family, learn hard work and discipline, and get the most out of themselves,” Pudwill added.
