Veteran coach steps down amid search for on-campus coach
Iconic Windsor High School head football coach Tom Kirkpatrick stepped down this week amid a swirl of controversy, ending a highly successful two-year run with the Jaguars.
The resignation follows a tumultuous month in which Kirkpatrick learned that the WHS administration was looking to replace him with an on-campus teacher and coach who could take over the football program.
“I would have preferred to leave under different circumstances, but these last couple of years have really been a treat and I enjoyed my time at Windsor,” Kirkpatrick said. “What I’ll miss most is working with the kids and spending time with them on a daily basis.”
A former teacher and veteran of 31 years with the Healdsburg High School football program including 19 as head coach, Kirkpatrick was tapped to lead the WHS program following the dismissal of former coach Vic Amick in 2014.
During his two-year run, Kirkpatrick led the Jaguars to an overall record of 16-9 and a pair of trips to the North Coast Section Division 2 playoffs, guiding Windsor to a berth in the NCS title game last fall. The Jaguars fell to eventual state champion Campolindo in December to finish the season at 9-4.
Tough-minded, fair and disciplined, Kirkpatrick was highly respected among the coaching ranks. He will perhaps best be remembered for his passion for the game and for getting the very best from his student-athletes, both on and off the field.
His overall high school win loss record of 184-77 places him in a class with the all-time great football coaches in Sonoma County history.
“Tom’s contributions, integrity, and respect for WHS Football (staff, parents, and especially the kids) for me, will always be remembered and deeply appreciated,” WHS Athletic Director Jeff Hardie said, before acknowledging, “We’re searching for a football coach that would also be an on-campus teacher.”
When asked whether he would consider coaching again, the 64 year-old Kirkpatrick was quick to answer.
“No, as much as I’ll miss the rush of Friday nights, that’s it for me as a head coach,” he said. “If I was 50 I’d probably feel differently, but I’m going to enjoy retirement.”
