HIGHLAND — After 11 seasons as the head football coach at Lone Peak High, Monte Morgan says it's time for a fresh perspective.
"I just need to sit back and take some time and get a new perspective on coaching," Morgan said after informing his team and the school Tuesday night that he's stepping down from the Lone Peak job. "But in fairness to the school and the kids, I wanted to let them know now so they had plenty of time to do what they need to do."
He will remain on Lone Peak's faculty while considering a few other options. In some form or another, he said he'd like to return to coaching again someday.
"It's kind of hard for me to change what I've been doing," he said.
Under Morgan, Lone Peak won six region championships, advanced to the playoffs nine times and finished as the state runner-up twice. Thirty six former players of Morgan advanced to play football at the college level.
"I've been fortunate to have coached some very good players," he said. "I'll always be indebted to their effort, their attitude and all the hard work they put in. And a head coach is only as good as his assistants, and I've had some very good and dedicated assistants."
This season the Knights failed to make the playoffs for only the second time in Morgan's career, and it was only the second time Lone Peak has finished with a losing record.
"The administration of Lone Peak High School is grateful for the dedicated service coach Morgan has given to hundreds of student-athletes, parents and the LPHS school community," Lone Peak vice-principal David Mower said.
Interested applicants for the open coaching position should contact Mower at the school by telephone, 801-717-4568; fax, 801-763-7064 or mail at 10189 N. 4800 West, Highland, UT 84003.
E-mail: jimr@desnews.com