Mike Ridaught
The Bronson football program will be looking for a new head football coach this fall.
Following a brawl after last Thursday’s spring game loss to Chiefland, Bronson coach Russell Holley decided to submit his resignation.
“I am disappointed in the decision that some of Bronson’s student athletes made that night, but incredibly proud of the overwhelming majority of players who headed straight to the locker room when directed, instead of participating in the altercation,” Holley said.
The postgame altercation was “the ultimate straw.”
“I always said I would leave Bronson when I was no longer making the difference I once was, and it was apparent on Thursday evening that this was the case,” Holley said. “A program is not effective when the actions of a small handful of students are allowed to become a defining quality, and opinions are formed due to emotions and assumptions instead of facts.”
The facts speak for themselves regarding Holley’s success on the field in his three years as a coach, including the past two seasons as the head coach.
The Eagles had lost 22 games in a row when he joined the staff as an assistant coach.
There were middle school students playing at the varsity level due to a lack of participation in the program. Just three years later, they had over 100 student athletes in the program and strong competitive seasons.
For the first time in BMHS history, the football program fielded three teams – middle school, junior varsity, and varsity.
Plus, under Holley’s leadership, the Eagles hosted a playoff game for the first time ever after winning a playoff game for the first time in the 70 years that the school has played football.
He leaves as the only football coach in BMHS history with a winning record (12-9), as well as having the highest winning percentage in the school’s history.
“To say I am proud of what was accomplished during my tenure is an understatement,” Holley said. “Success doesn’t occur in a vacuum and none of it would have been possible without Curtis Gaus, who is the best principal I have had in my 37-year career, or John Miller, who has unmatched love and support of the football program.”
As the weightlifting coach, the Eagles won two district titles and were runners-up once. That was the only district titles during the three years he was there.
It also marked the first team titles in boys weightlifting history.
“My decision to step down as Bronson’s head football coach is not one I took lightly,” said Holley, who noted that his assistant coaches were great to work with and all bought into his vision for the program. “My family has been considering a move to Orlando for a long time, due to my daughter’s career in the arts, and it’s time for that now. This move is overdue, and in the best interest of my family. We are very excited for this new chapter.”