East Linn Loggers Coach Jesse Garcia announced his resignation on June 24.
“As much as I love football, all the guys I’ve worked with and as much as I’d like to grab a title before I go, I need to start spending time with my wife,” he said.
Their children are all gone now, and it’s down to just them, he said in a resignation letter. “We have lots of projects around the house that need attention, and I shouldn’t leave that solely to her.
“Also duties at work will be taking up more time and not allowing me to devote the time needed to keep the program viable.
“I’ve given everything I had for four years to this team and the league, and I feel confident that it’s established enough to survive.”
He said he is grateful and appreciative to have the opportunity to live out his dream and become a coach in upper level football.
He wishes he could have played, he said. “But it’s been my greatest pleasure and honor working with all of you and most everybody involved in the league. I have built memories and relationships that will last me the rest of my life.
“One of the most rewarding times of my life and something I’ll carry with me till I die is how fortunate I was to have both sons play for the team. Not many people get that opportunity, and I appreciate the fact I was able to experience that.
“It also afforded me the opportunity to meet and work with a great bunch of young men. You all made my job easy on the field.”
Garcia specifically thanked God for keeping him healthy and full of energy to get this program established in the community and league. He also thanked his wife for her patience, love and support.
She was even the team seamstress, “so the guys always looked sharp when they took the field,” Garcia said. He also thanked several individuals specifically along with the hundreds of fans, family, friends, players, colleagues, businesses, school officials and new acquaintances who have supported this team.
“Every one of you has shown me the kind of character I’m honored to know,” he said. “Whenever there was adversity, your character shined through. Thank you for always being there. I’m proud to say it wasn’t just about football.
“I will always support the Loggers and the league wherever I go. And who knows, maybe down the road, or when the wife has had enough of me, I just might show up again with hat in hand.”