After two seasons of coaching Parsons football, Kurt Friess has decided to step down from the position and focus on his role as principal at Guthridge Elementary School. Friess talked with KGGF on Wednesday to discuss that decision and his future plans.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has left several things up in the air, including the 2020-21 school year. As both head football coach and an elementary school principal, Friess said he was uncertain that he would be able to take care of both responsibilities this upcoming season. He said that someone who fills the head coaching vacancy should be able to keep the kids prepared all year.

 

Of course, Friess leaves his stint in as head coach with a record of 10-10 and the first Parsons playoff victory in 42 years. That's a solid legacy to leave behind, but according to Friess, you don't start coaching to be remembered. He said you coach to help the kids and the community, and that the signature win is just another blessing to be had.

 

As for his future, Friess said he's still open to coaching someday, but he'll probably never want to coach anywhere but Parsons. However, he said he hopes not to have the opportunity to come back soon. That would, of course, imply that they need him back. Instead, Friess said he wishes for whoever follows him to have success in the role.

 

But sometimes new and returning coaches need a little help. Friess was no different. Southeast Kansas features a large group of local coaches helping each other out, and those coaches also frequently double as excellent educators. Local coaches were a great resource for Friess as he returned to coaching, and as he steps out of the Parsons job, he'd like to play that part too.