Los Altos HS (CA) head coach Dale Ziola recently made the decision to step down after building up a program from a stage where they went 0-10 prior to his arrival to two appearances in CIF Southern Section Finals games, and a league championship.
In his six seasons leading the program, Ziola compiled an impressive 48-24 record while taking on a significant rebuilding project at one of Southern California's most storied programs.
To announce his resignation, USA Today points out that Ziola sent out an emailed statement with a touch that would make Clark Griswold grin.
Like so many other coaches, Ziola doesn't have his Christmas lights up yet, and that's how he starts off his email "Because my Christmas lights are still not up," before going on to say:
“I was blessed to be a part of this great chapter in the book of Los Altos Football. As the page turns…so do priorities. The responsibilities and demands on a Head Coach continue to increase, at least the only way I know how to do the job, and at the same time, my kids continue to grow and have more and more to do, which has lead to me being absent from their lives at an increasing rate.
“Unfortunately, I’m not intelligent enough to work smarter. I just work harder, which has taken more time from my family, and as I grow older, I find myself desperately wanting to rectify this problem, and be a better family man. That means less attention and energy I can give to Los Altos Football. “
At the present moment, I don’t know how to do the job any different than I already do, and it would be an injustice to the hard working kids of Los Altos to continue on as my focus shifts to more to my family.
“So, it is time for me to step away from the Head Coach role, maybe coach some where in a lesser capacity, that I may be a better father and husband, and learn from others how to be a better coach. Maybe learn how to win the big one, which is what this community wants, and the kids and school so rightfully deserve.
“Thank You Los Altos, admin, conqueror crazies, parents, and especially the student-athletes.
“It’s time to Clark Griswold my house.”
Yes coach Ziola, by all means, go all out and "Clark Griswold" that house of yours.
https://youtu.be/e2I-_tIDV-4
Head over to USA Today to read more on Ziola's decision.
UPDATE>>Coach Ziola just sent us a few pictures of his "Griswold House". This is awesome
