Football coach announces resignation

Poland Seminary High School head football coach Mark Brungard announced that he officially tendered his resignation as head football coach to school officials. Coach Brungard has guided the program over the past eleven years to an 88-37 record during his tenure, which was highlighted by nine straight trips to the OHSAA Football playoffs and four league titles. Coach Brungard has also established himself has having the most win’s in the school’s proud history.

“I’ve known Mark for the past 10 years, and he has always been a genuine, caring person for the Poland Bulldog program and the community,” said Brian Banfield, Athletic Administrator for the Poland Local Schools. “I would want Mark to know that he has been a tremendous role model for his players and all scholar-athletes at Poland Seminary High School.” He fulfilled those duties in a manner that would make every Bulldog fan proud. Our best wishes and gratitude are extended to Coach Brungard and his family for their many sacrifices on behalf of the Poland Football Program.”

Brungard said that he has enjoyed his 11-year tenure at Poland.

“It has been my honor and blessing to coach a game I love at a place I love with people I love. The past 11 years has been a blast for me and my family,” Brungard said. “I have countless people to thank from the community, the administration, my coaching staff and our supportive parents; Poland is an awesome place to work. But most importantly, I am indebted to the young men I have coached. Without them I wouldn’t be a coach. I have had the privilege to coach some of the greatest young men and leaders our valley has to offer. My primary mission has never been wins or loses, but in seeing boys turn into men that lead in their families, communities, businesses and beyond. With that in mind I feel proud of what we have accomplished here.”

The district expects to accept Brungard’s resignation at its board of education meeting on Nov. 23 and then start the process of filling the position.