Ron Gill said there were a number of factors that ultimately led him to leave a program to which he has devoted the past four years.
Gill retired last week as the Brandon varsity football team’s head coach after the Blackhawks concluded their 2006 season with a 28-14 loss to Swartz Creek Oct. 20. He said he will not pursue any other coaching opportunities, but will remain in his job as a physical eduction teacher at Flushing Middle School.
The Blackhawks finished the year with a 1-8 record overall and a 1-7 record in Flint Metro League play. Gill compiled an 11-25 record (.306) in his four years at Brandon.
Before coming to Brandon, Gill was the defensive coordinator at Flint Powers in 2001-02. He has also coached at LakeVille (1997-2000), Davison (1994-95) and Alma (1993).
Gill is a 1993 graduate of Central Michigan University, with degrees in special education and physical education.
Brandon assistant principal/athletic director Tom Rodenbaugh said a search for a new coach will begin in earnest after the football team’s banquet Monday, Nov. 6.
Gill said there were several reasons for him to leave his post at this time. ‘It was the right time for me and Coach (Bruce) Gardner and Coach (Mark) Senn,? he said. ‘We’re the best of friends. They’re just tremendous men and coaches. We came to Brandon together and we stated we were going to leave together.?
He said he has known Gardner since he was in fourth grade and has known Senn for 20 years. In addition, he said both men are battling cancer; Senn has a tumor in his head, while Gardner is battling lymphonic cancer.
In addition, he said spending more time with his family was a big reason for his decision. Gill, who lives in Davison with wife Laura, has three children: Alexandria, 9, Adrian, 6, and Anna, 4.
‘I’m only going to get one chance to raise my kids,? he said.
Gill also said he had spinal fusion surgery four years ago before coming to Brandon, and the amount of pain he has to deal with each day was another factor he gave in making his decision.
Nonetheless, he said he will have positive memories of working with the coaches, players and parents at Brandon.
‘We truly enjoyed our four years at Brandon,? he said. ‘We loved each one of the kids, and we enjoyed developing relationships with the parents. They have a friend for life with us.?
When asked what his favorite memory was of his time at Brandon, Gill said it was hard to come up with just one thing.
‘We tried to do everything with class,? he said. ‘Our goal was always having a program the community could be proud of.?
Gill said he wished the Blackhawks could have won more games during his tenure. ‘Ultimately, that’s how you’re judged as a coach,? he said. ‘We felt bad for the program and kids. It was not for a lack of effort on their part.?
Before retiring, Gill said he talked to the team and told them to remember where their priorities in life should lie.
‘This past month, I had to go to funerals for three of my students? parents,? he said. ‘It reminded me that life isn’t fair. I told them to remember to love and honor their parents and family. Our relationships with them is what’s most important.?
Gill said he will ‘definitely? be at the football team’s banquet to say farewell to the team. Although he is no longer the Brandon head coach, he will still keep his eyes on the Blackhawks in the future.
‘I plan on following Brandon football and becoming an avid fan,? he said.