Outside influences force Pequot coach to resign Future of Patriots' boys' basketball program up in air

Five games into this season Pequot Lakes High School is searching for a new head and assistant boys' basketball coach.

After one season and a 3-2 record this winter, Jon Dale has resigned as the Patriots' head boys' basketball coach. His assistant, Rob Birkeland, also turned in his resignation.

"The biggest thing is it wasn't much fun to be a head boys' basketball coach anymore," said Dale, who coached the Patriots' girls' team for 10 years before becoming the boys' coach last season. "It's just not worth it in this day and age."

Dale believed the Patriots were headed in the right direction but some community members disagreed. Citing external pressure following losses to Crosby-Ironton and Pine River-Backus, Dale decided he had had enough.

"I'd rather go snowmobiling and watch my own son (eighth-grader Josh) play," said Dale. "I haven't seen him play yet this year."

Despite his abrupt departure Dale said he wishes the Patriots the best. He said it wasn't Pequot players who caused him to resign. When asked if he was resigning because of parental pressure, Dale declined to answer.

Pequot Lakes athletic director Bob Ayd supported Dale in his decision and said he is already searching for a replacement.

"We have it posted internally and have advertised it in the paper and we'll go from there," said Ayd. "We'll see if anyone is interested.

"Hopefully, we'll find someone soon. If not we'll have some practices run by an assistant and or by the ninth-grade coach.

"If no one steps forward we'll just have to suspend the program until we find someone. We hope someone will come forward so we don't have to do that because we'd like to continue the program."