Alonso coach Heldt resigns

Posted Jan 7, 2010 by Katherine Smith

Updated Jan 7, 2010 at 04:08 PM

Following his most tumultuous year in coaching, Mike Heldt has stepped down as the head coach of the Alonso football team.

The Ravens made school history with the first football playoff victory in Alonso’s nine years of existence this past season, but the accomplishment was overshadowed by off the field turmoil that included Heldt getting suspended for two weeks by Alonso administrators.

“I am officially resigned,” Heldt said. “It’s going to be in the best interest of the team and for me to step down. It was time.”

Heldt said he will remain at Alonso as a physical education instructor and will meet with his players next week to discuss the transition. He said his replacement has not been announced because the job has to be posted first.

Playing one of the toughest schedules in the county, including games at Armwood, Hillsborough and Plant, Alonso’s roller coaster ride of a season kicked off with an impressive victory against Brandon. But it soon was sent into a tailspin during halftime of the Sept. 25 game against Hillsborough when defensive coordinator Dale Rude was dismissed by Alonso administrators for cursing. Heldt served his two-week suspension following that game.

Alonso athletic director Kent Glover didn’t immediately return phone calls about Heldt’s resignation and a possible replacement.

Heldt, a local product who starred at Leto as an offensive lineman and went on to play at Notre Dame and the NFL, compiled a record of 40-46 during his eight seasons at Alonso. Heldt helped the Ravens win a district championship in 2006, another first for Alonso. The Ravens were also district runner-ups in 2003, 05, 06, 08 and 09.

Heldt said he will still be involved in recruiting this offseason and will try to get as many of his seniors college scholarships. Then he will be officially done with his tenure at Alonso.

“I’m going to take some time off and explore other possibilities,” Heldt said. ‘My options are open.”