Warrior coach resigns
BOYS' SOCCER
Cahil Collins, the Brainerd Warriors boys' soccer coach the last five seasons, announced his resignation at the team's banquet Tuesday night.
Collins said it has been a difficult fall personally, with his wife working in Alexandria while he works in Baxter.
"It's been tough, really tough," he said. "Right now I don't know where I will be next year. I just wanted to give as much time to the administration as possible to find the best person possible. To be fair to the program I thought this would be a good time to do it."
Warriors activities director Todd Selk reluctantly accepted Collins' resignation.
Cahil Collins
"We certainly understand Cahil's situation and support him in his decision," Selk said. "We thank him for his time and energy spent with our boys' soccer program.
"Under his leadership, we have enjoyed very competitive teams and have been at or near the top of the conference in recent years. We believe the program is in good shape and his successor will benefit from Cahil's hard work."
Collins' teams compiled a 49-27-9 overall record. This fall, Brainerd finished 8-3-1 in the Central Lakes Conference, 9-6-1 overall after losing to St. Cloud Tech in a shootout in the section quarterfinals.
The Warriors achieved several milestones in Collins' tenure.
In 2008 they scored the first playoff win in program history, 1-0 over Fergus Falls.
In 2006 they had their first 10-win season, won their first conference title and hosted their first section playoff game.
Under Collins' direction, the Warriors beat Fergus Falls and Moorhead for the first time.
"It's been so much fun, it's been a source of joy and pride to work with these kids," Collins said. "I just hate to do it, but I want to see this program succeed. To do that, this is what I need to do.
"It's only been a positive thing for me. I wish I could continue, but circumstances dictate otherwise."
MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861.