Here is a press release Ecke sent this evening.

5/21/12

I am contacting you this evening to let you know that I have decided to step down from my duties as head football coach at Cheshire High School. It was a difficult decision, but one that I believe best serves my family, the football program and my players.

It has been my honor to coach our players over the last 24 years, players that have gone on to all levels of success not just in football but in life. I will always have great memories of the big wins, and still lose sleep over the heartbreaking defeats. To me, however, the wins and losses pale in comparison to the opportunity that I’ve had to be a positive influence on so many student-athletes’ lives. I have had the chance to coach players that have honored our country with service in the military, players that have attended all the service academies, nearly every Ivy League Institution and NESCAC school and other great schools around the country. Our program has alumni that are doctors, lawyers, teachers, police officers, and many that run their own successful businesses. It is always a thrill to get together with them and reminisce about our time together.

If you speak with any of our players or coaches, I believe they will share with you that I am passionate about the game of football, I am passionate about our program and our players, and I am most passionate about my family. I feel very protective of each of them, and, if I feel one of them is not being treated properly, I am vocal about it. 

I look forward to new challenges for myself, and plan to coach again. I leave behind a tremendous group of seniors that I have grown very close to. I know that they will rise to the challenge that is being placed before them and I wish them well. 

I would like to thank everyone for the countless e-mails, phone calls, and texts, as well as those that have approached me offering support over the last few weeks. I would also like to thank my peers in the high school coaching community. Your thoughts and words of encouragement have meant a lot to me and my family. I would also like to thank the community, parents and the longtime supporters of Cheshire Football for all your support over the last 24 years. It has been my honor and pleasure to work with all of you.

See you in the Fall,

Mark.