Steve Davis has resigned his position as head football coach and athletic coordinator.

By JASON GORDON

Lehman High principal Don Ruisinger confirmed he asked athletic coordinator and head football coach Steve Davis to step down from his position at the school.

Davis then resigned his position but will remain as Lehman’s athletic coordinator through the end of the school year, or until a new athletic coordinator and head football coach is hired. The process of hiring a new athletic coordinator and head football coach will begin in the near future.

“I asked Steve to step down,” said Ruisinger. “It wasn’t something I did in a vacuum. I consulted with my bosses before making the decision. He was gracious through the entire process. I just thought it was time for a new vision throughout our athletic programs at Lehman.”

In six years of varsity competition, the Lehman football team won only three district games and had only one winning season under Davis, who was hired when the school opened in 2004.

Ironically, Lehman closed out the 2011 football season by winning two district games, against Clemens and Lockhart, to finish with its first winning season in school history at 6-4.

“I think Steve did a good job guiding us through these early years at Lehman, but I felt like we needed new leadership,” Ruisinger said. “We thought it was time to have someone else take what Steve built and lead us into the future.”

Ruisinger said an emphasis on the student-athlete would be key during the hiring process.

“I want someone who has the best interest of the kids at heart,” he said. “I’m looking for someone who has a mission goal of understanding how athletics can help our students not only on the playing fields and courts but in the classroom and in the community. I want that person to have a mission of moving all Lehman athletic programs to the next level.”

Davis said he was definitely surprised when he was asked to step down.

“I really was kind of shocked,” Davis said. “I felt really good about the year we had coming up and I felt not only the football program but all our athletic programs were starting to reach the level we were hoping for. I’m disappointed I won’t be able to be there to enjoy some of the fruits of that labor, but I’ll always be rooting for the kids at Lehman and I fully expect the football team to be in the playoffs next season. I’ll enjoy going to some of their games next season to watch them succeed.”