Olentangy Liberty football's only head coach, Steve Hale, steps down after 20 seasons
When the Olentangy Liberty football team begins preseason practice July 31, let alone when it opens the season Aug. 18 against Pickerington Central, the Patriots will begin a new era.
For the first time since the school opened in 2003, someone other than Steve Hale will be running the program.
Hale confirmed to The Dispatch on Thursday night that he has resigned after 20 seasons that saw the Patriots make the playoffs 15 times, capture eight league championships and win more than twice as many games as they lost.
“It just seemed like it was time,” said Hale, who met with the team earlier in the day. “I had the chance to work for an amazing school district and community for 20 years. I’m incredibly grateful for all the support and efforts from our players.
“It just seemed like the right time to step away and give someone else a chance to have an opportunity.”
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Hale went 154-76 at Liberty, a run highlighted by Division I regional championships in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Patriots also were Region 2 runners-up last fall for the second time in three years, overcoming a 0-3 start to finish 8-6, losing to eventual state runner-up Springfield 35-7 in the regional final.
Liberty’s only losing seasons have been in 2003 (1-9) and 2021 (5-6).
Hale has a career record of 176-96, counting stints at Shelby (1997-98) and Groveport (1999-2000), with 16 playoff appearances. He was linebackers coach at Olentangy in 2001 and 2002 under longtime Braves coach Ed Terwilliger before the district split into two high schools.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Steve Hale steps down as Olentangy Liberty football coach
