SK's Allen announces resignation

With a desire to spend more time with his family, girls basketball coach Mike Allen tendered his resignation Thursday after eight seasons at South Kitsap.

Allen, 42, whose daughter, Nicole, is a junior at South, and son, Jake, is a freshman at Sedgwick Junior High, said he wouldn’t be able to be as involved with them and his wife, Beth, if he continued to coach.

“Basketball is kind of all encompassing,” said Allen, adding that he decided to resign in December, but decided it was best for the team to not make an announcement until the end of the season. “I don’t feel like I can pass up being involved with my family.”

South athletic director Ed Santos said he’s still trying to “process it,” but plans to meet with Principal Jerry Holsten soon to discuss the opening.

While he couldn’t provide a timeline on filling the position, Santos said it’s a priority because the team typically is busy over the summer with camps and tournaments.

“The underlying goal with any coach is to look for people who seek character development and help their (the athletes) way to adulthood,” he said. “We’re looking for a great role model for the girls.”

An Oregon State University graduate, Allen posted an 84-96 record with the Wolves. After finishing 2-17 in 2006-07, South rebounded to 10-13 this season and Allen was honored as the Narrows League Bridge Division coach of the year. Their season ended last Saturday with a 53-40 loss against Rogers in the West Central District Tournament.

He said he hoped to return next season and approached Santos about holding league doubleheaders with the boys team. That happened once this season, when both teams hosted Lincoln on Dec. 5.

“If the doubleheaders came around, there’s no question I would be staying on,” said Allen, adding that some athletic directors in the league didn’t support the idea.

Allen said his decision to resign didn’t come easily.

“Whoever comes in has a great group of kids,” he said. “That makes me feel better about it if there’s a way to feel better about it.”

The Wolves graduate four seniors — guards Caitlin Daniels, Jessica Jordan, Maria Jose and Kaileigh Westermann — but played seven juniors this season. Among those juniors, guard Tori Fairweather was a first-team all-Bridge selection at guard, while posts Stephanie Osterdahl and Angel Sheldon were second-team selections.

“I think we’re looking up,” said Allen, adding that the returning players need to hone their offensive skills over the summer. “We should have some kids coming up that are going to help us.”

By the numbers:

South Kitsap girls basketball coach Mike Allen’s records by season:

2000-01 21-7

2001-02 11-13

2002-03 11-12

2003-04 12-10

2004-05 11-10

2005-06 6-14

2006-07 2-17

2007-08 10-13

Totals: 84-96

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