Gunther steps down as Hersey's head coach

Hersey High School has always meant a lot to Mark Gunther.

Gunther was a starting linebacker and captain on the 1987 Class 6A state championship football team. He returned to teach, coach and run the school's Service over Self program dedicated to having students help those who are less fortunate.

Gunther eventually took over the varsity football program in 2004 and led it to the state playoffs in his first season. But after five consecutive losing seasons, Gunther submitted his resignation as head coach to director of student activities John Novak and boys athletic director Steve Messer on Wednesday.

Gunther finished with a 15-40 record after Hersey won its season-finale last Friday over Wheeling.

"We had big plans and I don't think all of our goals were achieved, clearly," Gunther said. "I needed to take a step back and recharge and give some attention to my kids, my family and myself."

Messer said the plan is to open the position to applicants in December after the season ends.

"He's got his priorities in order," Messer said. "We are disappointed in losing him as the head football coach because he's been a winner in everything he's done.

"The big thing is Mark's leadership will still be at Hersey, which is fantastic."

After 10 years as an assistant, Gunther took over for Mike Mullaney and his first team, led by current Cincinnati Bengals rookie Tom Nelson, went 7-3 and took second in the Mid-Suburban East.

They only won two games the last three years and were decimated by a rash of injuries and illnesses. The biggest this season was losing Illinois State-bound quarterback-safety Steve Nelson to a torn ACL this summer.

"There were a lot of things to celebrate that you can't measure beyond wins and losses," Gunther said. "I had a lot of great relationships with our players and we've done the right things with the kids. It doesn't always translate into 'W's' but I can rest easy that I did the right things with kids."

Gunther is excited about having time to do more with his sons Casey (11 years old) and Jack (9) and his wife Pam.

"I love teaching and coaching and I'll definitely take some time to re-evaluate things," Gunther said of a return to coaching. "In my heart and soul ­- I bleed orange and brown and that's certainly where my allegiance will be."