MARK GREENLEAF HAS resigned as head football coach at Woodland High School. Greenleaf’s teams amassed an 81-50 record during his 13 seasons at Woodland.
WOODLAND – After 13 years at Woodland High School, Mark Greenleaf has resigned from his position as the Beavers’ head football coach.
The 59-year-old Greenleaf cited a difference of philosophy with Woodland Athletic Director Paul Huddleston as the reason for his resignation.
“We basically just didn’t see eye to eye on how the program was being run,’’ Greenleaf told The Reflector. “He had a different view and it clashed with everything I’m about. I don’t have much comment on that beyond that point.’’
Greenleaf’s teams went 81-50 in his 13 seasons at Woodland. His team’s qualified for the postseason in 11 of those 13 seasons, advancing to the state playoffs three times. His team’s won two Class 2A Greater St. Helens League championships, but finished with a 4-5 overall record this season and didn’t qualify for the playoffs.
Huddleston issued a brief press release in an email on Nov. 30 announcing Greenleaf’s resignation. He declined any further comment on the matter.
“After 13 years as the WHS Head Football Coach, Mark Greenleaf has elected to resign from his position,’’ Greenleaf wrote in the email. “During his tenure at Woodland, he has amassed 81 career wins – the most in our football program’s history. On behalf of Woodland High School and the Woodland Community, I'd like to thank Mark for his commitment to developing not only good football players, but more importantly, athletes of high character.’’
In his letter of resignation to Huddleston dated Nov. 6, Greenleaf wrote:
“Due to ongoing program and philosophical differences, this letter is to inform you of my resignation as Head Football Coach at Woodland High School. I leave the program in a better place than when I took over 13 years ago. I believe that under my leadership, our student athletes were taught how to represent themselves, their school, and their community with great pride, discipline, and character. I believe our teams were greatly respected by our opponents, the officials, our Beaver fans, our opposing fans, and our student body. I will forever cherish the memories I have of the hundreds of student athletes that I have had the opportunity to work with, teach, coach and mentor.’’
Greenleaf, a physical education teacher at Woodland High School, told The Reflector he has no desire to retire from coaching and will seek another job, likely in the area.
“I would like to coach again,’’ Greenleaf said. “I know I have enough energy to. I’m a young 59. I’m sitting back, decompressing right now. Most jobs open up in January. This just through me for a loop. I have to sit back and reflect on the next situation and where I want to go.’’
Huddleston has served as Woodland’s athletic director for the past five years. During that time, Greenleaf’s teams had a 34-17 record.
“As far as I’m concerned, since the beginning of his tenure he asked me to change some things and I changed a lot,’’ Greenleaf said, referring to Huddleston. “Apparently, he didn’t feel enough changes were made.’’
Greenleaf recalled many memorable moments during his 13 years in Woodland including a double overtime win at Washougal in 2011, a 56-6 win over a top-ranked Castle Rock team in 2005, a 2011 win at Mark Morris on the Monarchs’ Homecoming night, and his 100th career coaching victory, which came in 2013 against a highly ranked Montesano team.
Greenleaf said he coached 13 players who received All-State status and seven all-league offensive Most Valuable Players (MVPs) and three all-league MVPs.
“I’ve been blessed with the kids I’ve been able to coach and create relationships with,’’ Greenleaf said. “I stay in touch with so many of those kids. I have so many fond memories of coaching here.’’
